Blichmann boilermaker flow problem with dip tube

[estaiby]

So I finally stepped up and bought a 10 gallon boilermaker (actually got one for my bday) to complement my polarware brew kettle (now my HLT). I have my rig set up like Tasty's http://www.thebrewingnetwork.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=22567&start=48. Anyway, Blichmann advertises that with their dip tube you get within 3/8 inch from the bottom of the kettle but for some reason my flow completely stops when I get to the top of the valve (where the dip tube goes into the valve). Obviously with a march pump I can get below this level because it sucks it up but does that mean that the boilermaker does not work using gravity? Thanks to one and all...

[captain carrot]

Do you have a hose attached outside the kettle to siphon the liquid below the ball valve?
If not it will not drain completely.
Good Luck!

[estaiby]

Hmm, that is a great point, hadn't though about how the dip tube sits below the valve and therefore needs something below the dip tube inlet to pump through. Since my rig is set up like this:

[img]/Users/ocelote/Desktop/hopback.jpg[/img]

This pic is of Tasty's rig using a more beer kettle but other than the kettle mine is set up exactly the same.

I am going to have to figure out how to make a hose come through the valve and into the hop rocket...Any ideas?

Thanks so much for your quick response CC, greatly appreciated

[Quin]

Also check to make sure there isn't a leak in the dip tube/inlet junction. If any air is entering it will break the siphon.