Is it normal for PSI to drop a couple points on the first night on the first keg?

[wookiemofo]

Trying to research this but I'm not coming up with to many similar situations.

I have a kit from kegconnection that came preassembled and the kegs were pressurized. I had to disconnect the line from the regulator to the distributor but the connection passed the leak test. In fact all connections seem to have passed.

Anyway, I have the CO2 outside the fridge. Last night after purging I set the PSI to 11 and left it. This morning i checked and the PSI was down around 8 or 9. Trying to determine what it's from. The temp in the basement could have dropped a bit overnight... not sure how much.

The only area that concerns me is the gas QD. If I push on the side it will hiss out, like the seal is getting loose. But that seems like a natural thing considering you aren't supposed to put force on the side.

Is it just the beer/co2 stabilizing or do I need to be concerned about a leak. If I had a leak would the PSI only drop 2-3 pounds in 12 hours?

 

[PintOfBitter]

a leak would not show any drop in pressure until the tank was depleted. That's the function of a regulator - to maintain PSI despite flow variance.

 

[wookiemofo]

Maybe I was turning the screw to fast and just didn't notice the gradual decrease

 

[Gremlyn]

That is normal, what I believe is happening is that the initial flow of gas creates a little back pressure and ups the PSI artificially. You want to set the reg, wait for the iniitial flow to stop and check the reg again and make the minor adjustments necessary. You could also set to 13 psi, angling for 11 psi, and you'll likely hit pretty close and then just adjust whenever you come back and check on it later.

 

[Ace_Club]

If the keg was in the fridge and temperature dropped, that could lower the pressure in the keg. Additionally, if the keg was still absorbing CO2, that would drop the pressure in the keg until it equalized. If you are very worried about a leak, do a bubble test with some StarSan solution.

 

[wookiemofo]

I feel better about it now... bubble tests have all passed so far.

Still figuring how the regulator works. I basically just needed it to stabilize before I chalked it up to have a set PSI.

Dumb question... when i attach my beer line in a couple weeks am I going to get beer sprayed everywhere?

 

[PintOfBitter]

The disconnects seal before the poppet opens, so it shouldn't be messy.

 

[wildwest450]

I feel better about it now... bubble tests have all passed so far.

Still figuring how the regulator works. I basically just needed it to stabilize before I chalked it up to have a set PSI.

Dumb question... when i attach my beer line in a couple weeks am I going to get beer sprayed everywhere?

If you leave the tap open yes. If you're worried, just relieve the pressure in the corny first, then connect the beer out line. Don't forget to lube the post o-ring and inside of the connector.

 

[wookiemofo]

Was I supposed to lube the gas in as well?

 

[superjunior]

Don't forget to lube the post o-ring and inside of the connector.

inside the qd?

 

[ksbrain]

Bah I never use lube. YMMV

 

[wildwest450]

inside the qd?

Yes, as well as around the o-ring, just a little around the inside bottom, it will make connecting a lot easier, as well as prevent leaks.

Bah I never use lube. YMMV

Way to throw out useless info, congrats.


_

 

[wildwest450]

Was I supposed to lube the gas in as well?

yes, it's a precautionary measure, it will ensure long o-ring life and a good seal.

 

[wookiemofo]

So I should maybe disconnect and grease up when I get home?

 

[wildwest450]

So I should maybe disconnect and grease up when I get home?

You can, or leave it until next time you have to disconnect it. It's not life or death, just good preventative maintenance.

 

[superjunior]

Yes, as well as around the o-ring, just a little around the inside bottom, it will make connecting a lot easier, as well as prevent leaks.


_

cool, good to know as I'll be filling my first keg this weekend

 

[ksbrain]

Way to throw out useless info, congrats.

Except to say that in no way is lube required to ensure a seal