Alternatives to quick connects?

[spittybug]

I know I'm not the only one that has minor gas leaks associated with the quick connect ball locks on my kegs. Yes, orings changed, lube added...... Still, a little jiggling here and there and you can hear little bits of gas escaping. Multiply by 6 kegs on tap and all the connections and you start chewing up gas.

I don't need to pop off connectors very often, so why not just get gas hoses with fittings on the end that will screw onto the kegs in place of the gas post? Anyone done that? I don't suppose anyone knows if such fittings exist?

 

[spittybug]

Googled a bit.... a good start, but need to work on the hose end.....

https://www.grainger.com/product/EATON-AEROQUIP-Hose-Fitting-2F515

 

[mongoose33]

I'm not making light of the problems you're having but....I have six kegs on gas right now, five taps, and I have had no trouble at all w/ QDs.

Maybe it's the QDs you're using? Or are the kegs/posts themselves nonstandard?

 

[plazola86]

I have this problem as well, more with the same kegs than others. Do you have the plastic Q/D? I've been thinking of switching everything over to the stainless quick disconnects, just seems like they would work better.

 

[schatzke]

So the only way to seal up the keg would be to have it in the kegerator on gas? There would be no popit so no way to seal the keg up unless it is hooked up to the tank. Or maybe I'm missing what you are trying to do.

 

[hezagenius]

Have you disassembled your QDs to make sure their O-rings are in good shape?
Made sure the QD assembly is screwed down tight?
Are you using the threaded QDs or barbed ones?

 

[Weezy]

You could maybe find a 19/36"-18 thread female flare adapter to 1/4" FFL, then a 1/4" FFL to whatever hose barb size you want???

 

[spittybug]

So the only way to seal up the keg would be to have it in the kegerator on gas? There would be no popit so no way to seal the keg up unless it is hooked up to the tank. Or maybe I'm missing what you are trying to do.

Yes.

QDs in good shape. Some threaded, some barbed, but have ruled out that side of the QDs by disconnecting, keeping pressure on them, turning off tank valve and seeing same pressure on regulator after >24 hrs. (Never mind the simple test of just holding them under water...)

Problem lies with minor wobble/leakage of QD on post (yes, correct post..) I believe.

 

[hezagenius]

My QDs have no wobble at all. They can swivel but there's no wobble at all. Is the spring inside the QD the issue?

 

[shoengine]

I put gas threaded fitting tape on all my fittings, and no leaks thus far. This was after I lost 5lbs of CO2 overnight.

 

[day_trippr]

Sounds like under-sized post o-rings...

 

[spittybug]

Sounds like under-sized post o-rings...

I'm leaning that way. Currently testing kegs underwater with QCs attached under pressure.

I bought a bunch of McMaster Carr #9396K24 silicone O rings per a post found on these boards. Actual ID .424", OD .63" Orange colored. I'm wondering if they are fractionally too small. The buna black ones on the liquid posts (same dimensions, # 9452K23) don't leak however. Gas molecules are smaller than liquid ones, so it could be?????

Back to test.... stay tuned.

 

[spittybug]

I believe I have found the culprit(s). This picture is one of the aftermarket pressure relief bungs and poppets I had in a couple of kegs. You drill a hole, screw the two aluminum pieces together like a bulkhead fitting and then screw in the blow off poppet. Well, they corrode and the aluminum gets pitted so the poppet doesn't seal right. I'm surprised I didn't see this when I soaked the keg tops in sprayed starsan. Looks like I need to source a couple corny lids with integrated seats and skip these cheap aluminum things. Aluminum in stainless steel with beer as the electrolyte...humm, I made a battery! That must have been the off flavor I detected.......