Finally bought a keg volume 2.

[Brian]

So I have a question for all of the experienced keggers out there. The guy who sold me the keg told me on day one to turn the co2 up to 30 psi and wait for 24 hours. Ok so I did that and it was easy enough. Then he told me that I have to bleed the co2 out and shake the keg up. So i disconnected the co2 and gave it a good shake. The beer was bubbling out of the co2 connect like crazy. I got it to settle down and now have the co2 line hooked back up and set back at where he told me to set it. So my question is was I suppose to shake the keg or did I mess things up pretty bad? Thanks guys.

Brian

[codewritinfool]

So I have a question for all of the experienced keggers out there. The guy who sold me the keg told me on day one to turn the co2 up to 30 psi and wait for 24 hours. Ok so I did that and it was easy enough. Then he told me that I have to bleed the co2 out and shake the keg up. So i disconnected the co2 and gave it a good shake. The beer was bubbling out of the co2 connect like crazy. I got it to settle down and now have the co2 line hooked back up and set back at where he told me to set it. So my question is was I suppose to shake the keg or did I mess things up pretty bad? Thanks guys.

Brian

Starting with cold beer, I crank up the CO2 and kneel down with the keg across my legs and rock it back and forth. You can hear the gas going in as you agitate the keg. When it stops taking CO2, turn the CO2 down to serving pressure. You'll need to burp the keg a bit to see it go down on the gauge - at least I do.

That's it. Don't bleed the CO2 and then shake - you're trying to get the CO2 to go in suspension. I think you just misunderstood that guy.

Also, sounds like you have a leaky post. I'd try cleaning it really good before you use that keg again, though if you leave the CO2 hooked up there isn't any problem for now.

[meisterofpuppets]

He told you the old crank and shake method. Not a very good method by my book. You can way overshoot your carbonation.

The better way to carbonate is use a carbonation chart like: http://hbd.org/ford/brewinfo/kegcarb.html

Turn the regulator to the desired PSI for your temp and carbonation and then shake it up.

[pus rocket]

I usually keg, then turn the CO2 up to 30 and shake, leave it overnight and then turn it down to the appropriate pressure for another 24-48 hours. It's not as fast as some people can claim, but it's faster than just setting the chart pressure and waiting. And I've never over-carbonated.

[Brian]

So is the beer toast or will it settle down and be drinkable?

[meisterofpuppets]

No, it is by no means toast.

[Brian]

So should I just keep going like nothing happened?

[codewritinfool]

Yes.