I am really suspecting my CO2 regulator is way off.

[Fremont Brewer]

Last night I tried two beers that I kegged for the first time. Temp was 40F, PSI was set to 9, which should have given me 2.2 volumes of CO2. I let the beer get cold for about 4 days before even putting on the CO2. I let it carbonate for about 2 weeks.

I tried both beers and I really think that it was way overcarbonated. Both beers just didn't seem right. They were harsh and biting. I'm going to try and relieve some pressure over a few days and see how they turn out.

How can I prove that the regulator is incorrect other than buying a new one?

Thanks,
John

[Bugeater]

Last night I tried two beers that I kegged for the first time. Temp was 40F, PSI was set to 9, which should have given me 2.2 volumes of CO2. I let the beer get cold for about 4 days before even putting on the CO2. I let it carbonate for about 2 weeks.

I tried both beers and I really think that it was way overcarbonated. Both beers just didn't seem right. They were harsh and biting. I'm going to try and relieve some pressure over a few days and see how they turn out.

How can I prove that the regulator is incorrect other than buying a new one?

Thanks,
John

What you need is a keg pressure tester. Read the pressure indicated by the regulator gauge, disconnect the CO2 and then take a reading with the pressure tester. You can buy them for $20-$25 or build one for $15-$20. Build instructions and parts list are here. http://www.hbd.org/carboy/kegpresstester.htm

These are also good for checking to see if your kegs are holding pressure properly and a few other related uses.

Wayne

[Fremont Brewer]

Last night I tried two beers that I kegged for the first time. Temp was 40F, PSI was set to 9, which should have given me 2.2 volumes of CO2. I let the beer get cold for about 4 days before even putting on the CO2. I let it carbonate for about 2 weeks.

I tried both beers and I really think that it was way overcarbonated. Both beers just didn't seem right. They were harsh and biting. I'm going to try and relieve some pressure over a few days and see how they turn out.

How can I prove that the regulator is incorrect other than buying a new one?

Thanks,
John

What you need is a keg pressure tester. Read the pressure indicated by the regulator gauge, disconnect the CO2 and then take a reading with the pressure tester. You can buy them for $20-$25 or build one for $15-$20. Build instructions and parts list are here. http://www.hbd.org/carboy/kegpresstester.htm

These are also good for checking to see if your kegs are holding pressure properly and a few other related uses.

Wayne

Thank you, thank you! I am going get one!

[bkrebsy]

I've experienced the same issue as you but in reverse. My beers don't seem as highly carbed as they should be for the temp and psi settings I carbonate at. I have one of the above mentioned keg pressure testers. It reads about 3PSI lower than what my regulator is set to. Which one is right? Are either of them right? Heck if I know. I think the real problem is the accuracy of the gauges we typically use. Try 4 different gauges and I'm guessing you'll get four different readings. Regardless, the keg pressure tester does come in handy for other uses as bug mentioned.

In the end I simply have to adjust to my system to get the carb level I want.