how do I fix a leaky relief valve?

[Todd]

I just had the exact same problem.

The lid you have there is an older Firestone style. It's cheaper to replace the lid than it is to replace just the pressure relief valve. Ask me how I know, haha.

http://stores.kegconnection.com/Categories.bok?category=*Homebrew+Kegs%3AParts+for+Kegs

Check out this link, they have a few types, but they are around $10 for the whole lid and valve. I just bought a valve from MoreBeer for $14 to fix one of my newer kegs and kicked myself when I found this link the other day.

The keg opening is universal, so the style of lid is not as important.

Enjoy!

[Hoppy Brewah]

Todd is on to something here. I had a leaky corny keg and bought a new pressure relief valve only to find that it still leaked. The leak must have been in the lid itself. Good to know that you can buy a lid for cheap. Its also worth buying pressure tested corny kegs! Cheers.

[ApresSkiBrewer]

I am having the same problem as well.... my kegs were pressure tested when I bought them (B3), but when I dismantled them all for cleaning/sanitizing... the valves may have been swapped from one keg to another. Anyway. I bought 2 new pressure relief valves, thinking that would help, but no love.

How much does keg luuuube help? I don't have any... and have been trying to get by with out it. Will a drop or two of that help that seal that much? I know the lids used to hold pressure, and the valves I have are brand spankin new... but now I have two pretty useless kegs.

Anyway, thanks for the link to the new lids, I might just pick those up at that price.

[Todd]

it is fairly easy to tell if the leak is at the pressure relieve valve, the gasket, or one of the posts - mix up soapy water or StarSan in a spray bottle and see where the gas is coming out.

If the relief valve - make sure it's tightened or screwed on appropriately. Try removing and re-seating if you have that type. I've had some that just needed a tiny turn to make them stop leaking.

If leaking at the gasket, then keg lube can be helpful it seating better.

If the posts, make sure you have the gas post on the gas in - the post will have a slot in the bottom, or will be star shaped vs. flat sided. I learned the hard way not to mix these up from side to side, or from different manufacturers. Not fun, but part of the process. Keep trying, you'll get it right

[ApresSkiBrewer]

If leaking at the gasket, then keg lube can be helpful it seating better.

I've dialed it in to the pressure relief valves with the soapy water method.. but the leak is bad enough that I can pretty much hear it when it leaks.

The funny part is... one of the kegs with the leak, was holding pressure this afternoon. I took out the pressure relief valve to re-sanitize the keg, because I was feeling anal... and put the exact same valve back in... and its no longer holding pressure. Reseated it... not holding pressure.... threw in a new valve (since i have a few kicking around now) still not holding pressure. I guess I just need to get some o that Keg-lube.

the new ones I bought look slightly different then the old/faulty/broken ones I replaced though...

The gray one on the left is what were in the kegs, that I am replacing.


The new ones I got, are black, instead of gray, the spring rotates the other way... and the bottom seal is flared a little differently. The look like they would make a perfectly good seal (from the bottom and whatnot), but I guess I'll try keg lube, and then new lids, if nec.

Thanks for the all the input though,

[Todd]

There are more than a few differnt types of kegs (ie.Firestone, Cornelieus, Challenger, etc etc ) - you may just be mixing pieces parts in a way that isn't working out well for you, and by the way - the path to madness may very well lie down this road if you aren't careful...

For around $10, I'd buy a whole new lid with it's own PRV and be done with it, that's what I'm doing for one of mine, and I will enjoy smashign the old one into many little pieces when I'm done.

Good luck!

[Mylo]

For around $10, I'd buy a whole new lid with it's own PRV and be done with it, that's what I'm doing for one of mine, and I will enjoy smashign the old one into many little pieces when I'm done.
Good luck!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_ggX8AJsLI


Mylo