Leaky Corny lid, possible oxidized beer

[Biermann]

Ok, I need a bit of reassurance.

I came home from being out of town for 3 days, only to find that my wonderful, perfect AG stout in my keg had blown a flat.

My CO2 tank, which had been holding about 5 psi on the stout (and another beer) was completely flat. The Corny with the stout had no pressure in it.

I believe the problem lies with a lid that does not fit real tight. I've had beer in this one before, and have had no problems.

Anyway--Its going to be at least 3 days until I'm able to get my tank refilled second to my work schedule. So, do I:

1. leave the damned thing well alone until I get my CO2 replaced, then replace the lid and pressurize? (of couse, I'd purge the air in there).

--or--

2. Sanitize and replace the lid now, exposing the beer to more air and potentially more oxidation and contamination?


The thing that gets me really honked off is that it was reaching perfect carbonation levels. Now I'm sure it is flat and sitting under air.

 

[Baron von BeeGee]

I'd let it sit without disturbing it until you can regroup. The lid should seal to an extent and CO2 being heavier than air should result in a protective blanket over your beer.

Has the lid sealed before? I like to blast mine with 20-25psi right off the bat to seat the lid, then reduce to carb'ing psi's. It could also be the o-ring that's at fault. Did you use keg lube on it?

And finally, when you get your CO2 tank refilled make sure it's the lid that's leaking and not a fitting or the regulator so you don't go through the same rigamarole (sp?) twice. I recently had a hose clamp that was tightened enough where the hose meets the regulator that resulted in me dumping half a tank of CO2.

 

[Biermann]

I'm pretty sure its the corny lid. The other keg (I have a one way manifold) still had pressure. I did not use lube. The lid has held pressure before. Although, the last time I had beer in it, I blasted 35 psi in it, like you said, to seat the lid. I only put this one under 10 to start with (with the thoughts that I'd slowly force carbonate over a week or so). Of my 4 kegs, this one has the loosest fitting lid.

 

[thebull]

Try keg lube. Probably a must.

 

[Biermann]

never used it, but after this fiasco, I'm willing to try anything.

 

[Vels]

Dont worry about oxidization of your beer.

Even though you might have a small leak that allows co2 to escape under pressure. It will not allow air to flow free in to the keg and ruin the beer.

Cheers
jakob

 

[EdWort]

Yep, try keg lube on all the O-Rings.

I spray the corny lid and posts after I keg and pressurize to 20 psi with Star San.

If it is leaking the Star San will bubble. If it doesn't, life is good and your posts are sanitized.