Spike CF10 fermenter lid gasket

[HighlandTap]

I have a Spike CF10 fermenter with an issue that has plagued me from the start. I have a gasket for the CF10 lid, that will no longer fit in the groove. It has always had too much material which causes it to bow and pop out of the lid as I put it in after cleaning and sanitizing, that's been an issue from the start (3 years ago). I've tried chilling the gasket before using it, I've tried warming it to make it more pliable. I've used clamps to hold it in place as I worked around the rim. Usually with 20 minutes of concentrated effort I would get it in. The most recent batches have gotten worse and this past week it simply would not be kept in the recessed groove. By now it might have stretched some for all I know. I also wonder if I've gotten a gasket meant for a larger conical. Has anyone else encountered this, and what fixes have you come up with? Thanks

I'll preface by saying all the Spike equipment I have is pretty awesome for the most part, and problems are very few. The high level of options, quality and functionality would be hard to beat at their price point. I've tried calling Spike on the issue. Getting hold of them has always been tough but this past week they have not answered any calls. I've seen some interaction on here with Ben, founder of Spike, it seems like they're in troubled times with the business. Hopefully the company hasn't folded.

 

[matt_m]

I've experienced similar but have always been able to get it installed with just a tiny bit of keg lube for sealing and pushing it into the groove compressing it a little as I go. Its soft so any pulling makes it longer. Never had a pressure leak since doing that and using a mallet on the bands.

I wonder if you haven't stretched it a bit over time and need to replace. They are available on their site for order.

 

[Whisky River]

I have never tried calling them but they have always been very responsive to me via email or the online contact form from their website.

 

[wickedbeernut]

Spend the extra money and get the New Style Gasket. Don't order the Replacement Lid Gasket on the Spike web site. That's the Old Style Gasket. You need to contact Spike Customer Experience and specifically ask for the New Style Gasket. It will be a few dollars more, but well worth it.

 

[HighlandTap]

I’m hoping they respond to my email. They did send an acknowledgment it was received. I think they were having phone problems last week. I could never get more than one ring in before the call would disconnect. If they do respond I will order the new style gasket. Thanks for that suggestion wickedbeernut.

 

[Yesfan]

You can also order the gasket from @Bobby_M at Brewhardware.com. I recently got mine, for my Flex+, from him and it is the new style.

I have used the old style in my Flex+ in the last two batches with success. Lay the flat side of your old gasket in the lid, pointy side to the conical base. When you work the gasket into the lid, view the lid as a clock and work in the gasket part at 12, 3, 6, and 9 first. Then work in the remainder of the gasket into the lid.

Once you start installing the band clamp, tighten it down to the point there's a 1/4" gap where the ends of the band clamp meet. You have to crank the f out of it. This has worked on my current and last batch and the Flex+ has head 15lbs of pressure throughout fermentation. I also have the CF-10, but I haven't done a double batch yet to confirm it works on it. Hope this helps.

 

[HighlandTap]

You can also order the gasket from @Bobby_M at Brewhardware.com. I recently got mine, for my Flex+, from him and it is the new style.

I have used the old style in my Flex+ in the last two batches with success. Lay the flat side of your old gasket in the lid, pointy side to the conical base. When you work the gasket into the lid, view the lid as a clock and work in the gasket part at 12, 3, 6, and 9 first. Then work in the remainder of the gasket into the lid.

Once you start installing the band clamp, tighten it down to the point there's a 1/4" gap where the ends of the band clamp meet. You have to crank the f out of it. This has worked on my current and last batch and the Flex+ has head 15lbs of pressure throughout fermentation. I also have the CF-10, but I haven't done a double batch yet to confirm it works on it. Hope this helps.

Hello Yesfan. The clock method worked when I first got the unit but last week was totally useless. I guess that points to the fact the gasket has stretched or something like that. Once in place I never had a problem. I’ve been able to hold 15lbs with no problem. I do wonder if cranking the band clamp over time (don’t think I’ve ever had to go tighter than that 1/4” gap) has had any effect on the rubber. When working properly this thing rocks.

I have only done one 10 gallon batch. The most I do these days is 7.5 gallons, using a small and a large corny keg. After 7.5 gallons I’m ready for a different style and flavor. But it’s worked really well no matter what the volume as far as I can tell.

Thanks for your suggestions. If Spike doesn’t get back to me soon enough I’ll give Bobby_M a call and order there.

 

[HighlandTap]

3 days after emailing Spike I got an email response. I’d been hoping for a phone call, but oh well, e-mail works. Mike, from “customer experience” sent a very short reply stating he was sorry to hear of my problem. After viewing the photo I attached, I assume, he agreed I had a defective part and they’re sending me a new gasket. Plain and simple, no further words. I also assume it is the newer variety, as it was $20. I’d call it an unusual customer experience, but in the end, it works. I hope anyway

 

[YeastFeast]

I'd be careful cranking on the clamp too hard, the gap is dependent on the size of the product you have. I ruined my clamp trying to get my CF5 to 1/4". I have to purchase a new one ($100+ after shipping, tax) because I bent it (pretty badly) from over-tighening trying to get to 1/4" so I could pressure ferment.
This WAS NOT covered/replaced.

This is not in the manual or online anywhere (that I could find anyway) but direct from Spike customer service:

The gap on the CF5 will be about 1/2" or larger. The larger conicals get closer to 1/4".
So just tighten as much as you can by hand. For maintenance, you'll want to add anti-seize to the clamp threads occasionally. We add that here but it will dry out over time. The anti-seize will make it easier to turn the handle.

In other words, the smaller your conical, the larger gap you'll have when fully (hand) tightened.

 

[wickedbeernut]

I also assume it is the newer variety, as it was $20.

Did you have to pay the $20 to replace the defective gasket?

 

[Willy]

Yeah - was gonna suggest lube and the clock method.

12 then 6 then 3 then 9 - trying to make it equal arcs between each quarter hour and carefully push it in after determining which side goes in (assume the old gasket and look closely to see the taper ).

 

[HighlandTap]

J

I'd be careful cranking on the clamp too hard, the gap is dependent on the size of the product you have. I ruined my clamp trying to get my CF5 to 1/4". I have to purchase a new one ($100+ after shipping, tax) because I bent it (pretty badly) from over-tighening trying to get to 1/4" so I could pressure ferment.
This WAS NOT covered/replaced.

This is not in the manual or online anywhere (that I could find anyway) but direct from Spike customer service:


In other words, the smaller your conical, the larger gap you'll have when fully (hand) tightened.

Good advice YeastFeast. I have definitely cranked beyond what felt comfortable with the clamp, trying to get the 1/4” gap. Then had a few batches where I was 3/8”ish and held the pressure just fine. Humidity? Pressure? So many variables. Hopefully the new gasket eliminates my problem. I’ll post on here what happens when it arrives.

 

[HighlandTap]

Did you have to pay the $20 to replace the defective gasket?

There was no invoice with the email telling me “my order” has shipped. With the acknowledgment from Mike that my gasket appeared defective, it seems they were replacing free of charge.

 

[Yesfan]

I'd be careful cranking on the clamp too hard, the gap is dependent on the size of the product you have. I ruined my clamp trying to get my CF5 to 1/4". I have to purchase a new one ($100+ after shipping, tax) because I bent it (pretty badly) from over-tighening trying to get to 1/4" so I could pressure ferment.
This WAS NOT covered/replaced.

This is not in the manual or online anywhere (that I could find anyway) but direct from Spike customer service:


In other words, the smaller your conical, the larger gap you'll have when fully (hand) tightened.

Man, that's going to bug me. I know I read/saw that somewhere, but I can't remember where. Eh, regardless, I'll back off on that gap going forward. I'd rather be safe than sorry. Thanks for posting this.

EDIT: I found it. Scroll to step 4 in the link below.

How Do I Stop My Conical From Leaking?

They mentioned going as low as 1/8" or less on the larger conicals. I think I'm going to stay at 1/2" going forward. Like I said, I'd rather be safe than sorry.

 

[YeastFeast]

EDIT: I found it. Scroll to step 4 in the link below.

How Do I Stop My Conical From Leaking?

They mentioned going as low as 1/8" or less on the larger conicals. I think I'm going to stay at 1/2" going forward. Like I said, I'd rather be safe than sorry.

Hope this helps you and others not to over crank that thing. Still pisses me off Spike won't update their docs. There's no way to get a CF5 to a 1/4" gap (like they tell you to), not without bending something. And if you do ruin it by following their instructions, the cost is on you.

 

[HighlandTap]

I got my new gasket from Spike, after seeing it I can say my original was definitely defective or just the wrong one altogether. New one fits really nice and you don’t have to work to get it in.

If there’s a problem I have with Spike it’s the lack of information, and what information there is, isn’t easy to find. They also badly lack in nuance with their info. No tips, no hacks, never a suggestion if something isn’t as easy as they make it sound. They put some well made videos on YouTube but again, very little tips or troubleshooting. I’ve been pleased with the quality and innovation of their products. But their follow through needs a lot of work.

 

[wickedbeernut]

I got my new gasket from Spike, after seeing it I can say my original was definitely defective or just the wrong one altogether. New one fits really nice and you don’t have to work to get it in.

If there’s a problem I have with Spike it’s the lack of information, and what information there is, isn’t easy to find. They also badly lack in nuance with their info. No tips, no hacks, never a suggestion if something isn’t as easy as they make it sound. They put some well made videos on YouTube but again, very little tips or troubleshooting. I’ve been pleased with the quality and innovation of their products. But their follow through needs a lot of work.

Was it the "New Style Gasket"?

 

[HighlandTap]

Was it the "New Style Gasket"?

It is the new style. I’m guessing the double V-shape adds room for compression when you tighten lid. But in the meantime less rubber gasket making contact with the lid.

 

[wickedbeernut]

It is the new style. I’m guessing the double V-shape adds room for compression when you tighten lid. But in the meantime less rubber gasket making contact with the lid.

If you have a digital caliper, measure the thickness of the New Style Gasket. I think you'll find that the New Style Gasket is slightly thicker than your old gasket. I think the double V-shape is really just intended to ensure you can't install it upside down.

Glad to hear you got what you were after.

 

[Yesfan]

Hope this helps you and others not to over crank that thing. Still pisses me off Spike won't update their docs. There's no way to get a CF5 to a 1/4" gap (like they tell you to), not without bending something. And if you do ruin it by following their instructions, the cost is on you.

Can't blame you. If you follow their instructions to a T and something gets bent as a result, then they should replace the damaged part, imo.

 

[HighlandTap]

Did you have to pay the $20 to replace the defective gasket?

No wickedbeernut, they sent it feee of charge. I had meant to reference the new style gasket sells for $20. If you go on their site and see a gasket for $15, that’s the old style. Incomplete wording on my part.