Just bought used kegerator that needs some work

[Jamesconn]

I am tired of not being able to find the beer I like and when I do its really expensive and there only one 6 pack left. I found a pretty commercial lookin kegerator on facebook and I bought it for $300. I dont really know a damn thing about them. When the guy drove up so I could buy it the tap got turned on and spoiled coors light went everywhere I guess the entire time he had been driving. I got it in my garage and cleaned it up. the tubes look so bad I dont even want to bother cleaning them I would rather replace them, but I dont know what size of tubing to get or any tool Ill need. I think the cleaning kit comes with a wrench.

I want to make my own beer eventually but I wont have the funds for awhile just trying to get better beer cheaper for now.

I found a plate on the back that said Rapids "house of quality"
model number PT 1 serial 52059

I cant figure out how to upload pictures

 

[Jtk78]

I think you need a minimum amount of posts here to post pictures. I think it's 10 posts, but I could be wrong.

Good thinking on replacing the lines. Most if us here use 3/16" ID beverage line. There are couple different types at different price points. I didn't use anything fancy when I started my build. Check ritebrew.com, as they've had the best prices I've found if they have what you need.

Here's just a little bit if knowledge I can share and start to shed some light on.

Kegs
There's 3 different types of kegs commonly used. The difference is how the lines are connected to the keg.
Sanke - commercial style kegs. Some homebrewers use 5 gallon versions of these as well.
Ball lock - Old soda keg. Probably the most common used in the homebrew world.
Pin lock - Another type of soda keg. Similar to a ball lock but a little shorter, wider, and similar but different connections for the lines.

Also, I assume it came with at least 1 keg based on it leaking all over on the way there. One idea would be to cut the top off that thing, get a propane burner, and use it as a boil kettle. You could even do "brew in a bag" (Look up biab brewing for more details). If you're frugal and shop for used items, it might be less than you think to start brewing your own refreshing goodness.

Get some pictures up and we can be more help. There's a lot of very knowledgeable people here that are always pretty patient and will to help newcomers.

 

[FloppyKnockers]

Okay....what?

 

[Jamesconn]

I am trying to replace the gas and beer lines in the kegerator I bought of FB and I didnt know what size of lines to get. I am ready for beer now so ill just buy a keg after I replace the lines but Ill research more on homebrew to see how long it will take me to save up.

There is no reason to replace gas lines unless they are leaking right?

 

[JONNYROTTEN]

You using a sanke keg. That's fine.
The gas line is usually fine but if you plan on kegging for a while I'd just replace it so you know its "yours" and fresh. 3/16 line is what you want for the beer line..online venders sell them. What you do want is to replace the tap. Good chance its crappy but without a pic who knows. Get flow control...believe me when I tell you it will take all the foaming headaches out of kegging and that's huge...buy this now and enjoy kegging later...its one place you don't want to skimp out.
You mention your looking just to buy beer on a homebrew forum. Might hinder your help...But I'm good like that

Buy this
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074D9YBR9/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

[PADave]

Replace all your lines including gas. Could be all kinds of nasties growing in there. I like these lines.
https://www.morebeer.com/products/ultra-barrier-antimicrobial-pvc-free-tubing-316.html

 

[Jtk78]

..........
Buy this
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074D9YBR9/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

If you do buy a new faucet, again look a ritebrew.com

http://www.ritebrew.com/product-p/843160.htm

 

[JONNYROTTEN]

Doesn't have to be the one I listed on Amazon...either will work wherever the OP can find it cheapest

 

[elreplica]

Gas...why? Beer yes...cheap anyway...food grade tubing between 3/16-5/16" should be fine and get a decent tap. A Sanke with corny adapters is nirvana...I use a micromatic Sanke with stainless steel Cornelius adapters both gas/beer and it's freaking awesome! A cheap line cleaner (and a faucet wrench)from the dollar store will keep all smooth and steady. Loving having all options! PS - yes, flow control is great(I would get it) but a valve shut off on my regulator on my Intertap and Perlicks is fine...

 

[mj1angier]

I got my second kegerator used of Craiglist. Had been used by a homebrewer so set up already for ball lock. But had been put for 6-8 months with old beer in lines.

I changed all the lines- gas and bev. I mean, if I am going to take the time to do one, might as well do both. Would rather start from fresh.

 

[PADave]

Gas...why? Beer yes...cheap anyway...food grade tubing between 3/16-5/16" should be fine and get a decent tap. A Sanke with corny adapters is nirvana...I use a micromatic Sanke with stainless steel Cornelius adapters both gas/beer and it's freaking awesome! A cheap line cleaner (and a faucet wrench)from the dollar store will keep all smooth and steady. Loving having all options! PS - yes, flow control is great(I would get it) but a valve shut off on my regulator on my Intertap and Perlicks is fine...

It's possible for beer to back up into a gas line and get stuff growing in them. Then your just blowing that right into your keg. For what they cost I'd replace everything, but to each their own.

 

[Jamesconn]

Ive now replaced the beer line, gas line, tap, regulator, refilled the co2 tank, and keg coupler (Apparently warsteiner has a different keg coupler). I have the keg in the kegerator now, but with the dial on max its stayin at 54F. I made a new thread on it.