Universal poppets not universal?

[jeeppilot]

I got some new "universal" poppets for my kegs. These:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071L2GYRJ/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

My kegs are pin lock, two Firestone/Spartanburg and one Cornelius. On ALL my kegs, these new poppets protrude immensely. The o-rings are on the verge of being pushed all the way through.

On two of them, they did get pushed through, prior to pressuring the keg.

Seems like too much spring force or the poppet head is just a tad too small. Anyone have experience with this or suggestions?

 

[Smellyglove]

Unless it's a manufacture error thos poppets actually do seem pretty universal. Have you tried other poppets to verify that it's not you keg posts which are not "up to code" ?

 

[jeeppilot]

Unless it's a manufacture error thos poppets actually do seem pretty universal. Have you tried other poppets to verify that it's not you keg posts which are not "up to code" ?

I have not, but it did cross my mind that the posts could be an issue. Just seems odd that all my posts would be bad when the old OEM poppets fit fine.

 

[Smellyglove]

I have not, but it did cross my mind that the posts could be an issue. Just seems odd that all my posts would be bad when the old OEM poppets fit fine.

If you did source the old OEM poppets from the same source as the posts, or keg-seller, it might be that they only carry what fits the posts they are selling.

 

[jeeppilot]

If you did source the old OEM poppets from the same source as the posts, or keg-seller, it might be that they only carry what fits the posts they are selling.

I didn't buy the kegs new and the poppets I took out were what came in them when I bought them. All my kegs have Hansen MFG posts. I was under the impression it was all pretty standard stuff. I may try another poppet set first and see if that does better. If not, guess I'll be replacing the posts too.

 

[Horseflesh]

I bought the exact same ones and had the exact same problem, across multiple types of post. I determined that the springs are just too darn long. I was able to make these work by clipping off some of the spring. Just use the total length of a known-good poppet as a guide.

I did have to use 2 sets of pliers to bend the coils apart so I could get the cutter in, and then I tried to file the sharp cut end smooth and flat. Pain in the butt... But it did work.

 

[day_trippr]

I don't know anything about pin lock posts - particularly the ID of the poppet opening through the posts, but I know that using those "universal" or "christmas tree" poppets on stubby ball lock posts like Firestone Challengers requires clipping a couple of turns. Not because of bulge-through but because it's a bitch to get the QD on.

In any case, I've used a few of them but I'm not keen on them. I keep a few on hand for emergencies but as opportunity arises I replace them with appropriate oem style poppets...

Cheers!

 

[jeeppilot]

I bought the exact same ones and had the exact same problem, across multiple types of post. I determined that the springs are just too darn long. I was able to make these work by clipping off some of the spring. Just use the total length of a known-good poppet as a guide.

I did have to use 2 sets of pliers to bend the coils apart so I could get the cutter in, and then I tried to file the sharp cut end smooth and flat. Pain in the butt... But it did work.

Yeah, as I have 6 poppets I just replaced, I’m not sure if I feel like going to that much effort for a $8.99 purchase. Cutting is easy, but the filing will definitely be a PITA. I wonder if anyone has spring length listed with their poppets? Time for some research. Thanks Horseflesh!