Q: differences in ball lock kegs

[ChandlerBang]

I have three ball lock kegs. They all appear to be slightly different. One has a funny looking inlet post. It uses the same QD,but it isn't a standard hex nut, but more like a star shape and on that keg the pickup tube is bigger than the other two. Then on of them has plastic bushings between the poppet and dip tube/ gas in tube. They all appear to take the same o rings except for the bigger dip tube. Does anyone have any experience with this? Am I going to have problems with off flavors in the plastic bushings? I guess I thought all ball lock kegs were the same.

 

[mikfire]

No, all ball locks are not the same. I believe the dimensions of the keg are constant, as well as the actual size of the posts. Beyond that, there are differences (see some of the threads on Firestone and Challenger kegs).

The 7/8" star nut on the post is almost all I have, except for one that is a 1/2" hex nut. It drives me nuts.

You shouldn't have a problem with the plastic bushings. This is all food-rated plastic. If it really concerns you, you can order replacements from any of the major keg suppliers (I like kegconnections, but ymmv).

 

[ChandlerBang]

So what size is that darn star nut post thingy? That same keg has a normal one for the liquid post. Is that normal? Can I replace it with a normal post so I don't have to have the tool (other than a pipe wrench)to get it off?

EDIT: Holy crap! I just looked a Keg Connection's list of parts. So how do I find out exactly what the manufacture and model number/ type of my kegs are? All I think they say is the soda distributer that used to own them. However, I'll do I more in depth inspection of the outside tonight.

 

[buzzkill]

the star is gas and takes a 12 point wrench/socket mine take 7/8 size