How to replace the poppet?

[mfischer2]

My keg has been leaking a bit and its been forever (literally) since I broke it down and cleaned it, so I bought some replacement O-rings and 2 new poppets since they've been giving me trouble. I managed to get the posts off but now I can't figure out how to get the poppet out so that I can replace it. I removed an o-ring that was on the outside of the keg post, but it must just help seal when the connector is on, since it wasn't holding anything in. So how do I get the poppet out? Are there any good diagrams out there? I browsed a few of my books and didn't find much.

Oh, and I am referring to a corny key, ball lock type.

[Henning1966]

Just push on the poppet with a small screw driver. The feet on the bottom usually hold it up.

[ApresSkiBrewer]

+1 henning.

They get stubborn sometimes. Soak that in PBW, and then try to pop it out w/ a screwdriver if you prefer. Makes it easier.

[BayouBrew]

If it's sticking too much you can put a small flat-head screwdriver through the bottom to turn it. There should be slots in the bottom of the poppet for the screwdriver head. Just don't screw up the post while you are changing the poppet or it will still leak and you will have to change the post too.

[mfischer2]

Well the poppet came out, BUT, the replacement poppet I have is too small! Based on the pics from morebeer.com, I think I need the Firestone poppets. The morebeer support guy said something like "yeah its hard to tell" and that's all I got back. I guess this is something that requires the LHBS.

[boobookittyfuk]

Well the poppet came out, BUT, the replacement poppet I have is too small! Based on the pics from morebeer.com, I think I need the Firestone poppets. The morebeer support guy said something like "yeah its hard to tell" and that's all I got back. I guess this is something that requires the LHBS.

there are 4 different kinds of poppits just for ball lock posts.....if you have a LHBS, your best bet is to remove one and bring it with you. I bought 3 different deep sockets (all the wrong size) before i looked up what the actual size was and got the 7/8". But for some damn reason some of them are 11/16"

[BDawg]

it's best to bring both the old poppet and the post with you so you are sure of a good fit.

[Grist Licker]

CHI sells all four different poppets, you might be able to tell by the pictures:

http://www.chicompany.net/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1_3_14

Keg Connection sells the complete plug and poppet assembly brand new for $7, or the gas and beer plugs as a set for $12:

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

I had a few leaks that were caused by the sealing surface of the post itself. Those new posts work great and since they come with the poppet that's one less thing you have to worry about.