Beer engine troubleshooting

[Rmr9]

Hi all,

I finally rigged up my cask/beer engine system, tapped a cask of homebrewed porter with my cask widge, vented about 6 hours and have been greatly enjoying it.

I’ve noticed a couple things going on with the beer engine. The first is that when I pull a pint, when the handle returns to the original position a very small portion of beer comes out of the nozzle - I don’t know if I’ve seen this happen the last time I used it. The second thing I’ve noticed is after pulling a pint the nozzle will drop for a bit afterwards not a lot but a bit. Not sure if that’s normal either.

I must point out a few things: this is my first real cask so maybe the beer is over carbonated? I know the beer is 8-9 degrees C, which is too cold but what I can manage at the moment, could this contribute as well?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Dads_Ale]

Hi
First point: I have an Angram beer engine and mine does that as well. Not much but enough to push off the silicone cover, I use to close off the nozzle after use, if I put it on too quickly. I now let it drain for a while before covering the nozzle. At least the drip tray does its job
Second point: don't quite get this one as the nozzle should be secure and not be able to move, at least it is on my Angram.

 

[paulfg]

Second point: don't quite get this one as the nozzle should be secure and not be able to move, at least it is on my Angram.

I suspect that should read drip not drop,and yes over carbonated beer will do that as the beer in the cylinder releases co2 it pushes beer out the spout

 

[Dads_Ale]

Second point: don't quite get this one as the nozzle should be secure and not be able to move, at least it is on my Angram.

I suspect that should read drip not drop,and yes over carbonated beer will do that as the beer in the cylinder releases co2 it pushes beer out the spout

Ah That makes sense now LoL

 

[Rmr9]

Thanks for the insight! Yes it should’ve said “drip” not “drop” - that would be an entirely new problem . I was thinking over carbonation could be the culprit but it’s good to know I haven’t somehow damaged the beer engine instelf.

 

[BlackRegent]

Hi
First point: I have an Angram beer engine and mine does that as well. Not much but enough to push off the silicone cover, I use to close off the nozzle after use, if I put it on too quickly. I now let it drain for a while before covering the nozzle.

@Dads_Ale what silicone cover do you use for the tap? Thanks

 

[Dads_Ale]

@Dads_Ale what silicone cover do you use for the tap? Thanks

Hi this is the type of thing (I can't remember who I bought mine off but these are the same as an example)
3pcs Draft Beer Tap Cap / Covers - BSH08 - Faucet Sanitary Soother Kegerator Bar | eBay

You can also get these
3 PCS Draft Beer Tap Spout Brush Caps BSJ11 Covers Plug Homebrew Cleaning Faucet | eBay

Quite a few places sell them

 

[BlackRegent]

@Dads_Ale thanks for the info. I've seen those around, but I didn't realise they fitted over the spouts on beer engines. I assume you have to screw off any sparkler for them to fit?

 

[Dads_Ale]

@Dads_Ale thanks for the info. I've seen those around, but I didn't realise they fitted over the spouts on beer engines. I assume you have to screw off any sparkler for them to fit?

I have never used a sparkler but in the interests of science I found the one that came with the beer engine and the cover fits a treat.