Leaking keggle Driving Me Nuts.

[Down2Die]

Hello all. Ive got a leaking keggle. using two cordless heating elements this type
http://www.thehomebrewcompany.ie/spare- ... -1100.html
also have two km8 locknuts and have tried various washers etc silicone and the ones that come with the elements and its still leaking. ive flattened the keg wall and everything. I think the main problem is theirs not enough thread on the elements to really lock them tight. any other suggestions on this before I give up?

[barneey]

Hi,

First question is what size hole did you cut for the element?

[Down2Die]

HI thanks for the reply I used a Q.Max Sheet Metal Punch - 1.1/2in around 38.1m I believe.

[barneey]

I`m assuming (the photo on the homebrew website is not clear) that these are a standard style haden type element, if so, the element is the element a tightish fit?

With the keggle is it a converted beer keg? or another vessel + what is the rough diameter of the thing?

[Down2Die]

Hi thanks again yes its pretty much the same as the haden elements. it does fit tight enough yes. had to try and flaten the keg wall which made hole a little tighter then had to file it to make it bigger again.

yes its a converted 50 litre stainless keg...diameter of around 15 1/2''

appreciate any help. its breaking my heart...thanks

[themadhippy]

how about a bead of high tempreture silicon sealer around the element on the outside .let it set for a bit then screw the lock nut on. ive used dow corning 732 to seal elements in the past without any problems

[barneey]

The only suggestions I can think of is a home made silicone washer viewtopic.php?f=6&t=48442&p=509097&hili ... et#p509097 + a purpose made ss washer to help squeeze the thing up, but it would appear you have already tried?

Or JB weld the thing, smear JB weld around the element, tighten the element up and leave it for 3 or 4 days, not ideal, a pain in the arse to remove again, but it shouldn`t leak. (JB weld isnt reported as being food safe).

Others member might have a few more ideas for you.

Whereabouts in the UK are you?

[Down2Die]

Thanks for the replies. I have a silicone here high temp all weather ..ill run a bead around the outside and see..when it dries I hope I can get the nut on the thread as its hard to grip as it is.....

I Have used the silicone baking sheet washer on the inside which is slightly thinner then the original washer that came with it. I wouldnt have enough thread on the element to use a stainless washer with it also. it would be either one or the other. don't have a 40ml stainless washer here either. I guess it would need to be like 50ml outside diameter aswell. can these be got online?

Ive heard about the jb weld alright. I suppose it is a last resort. should be ok if only on the outside and not near the inside....

the keg I got had a small wall at the base like this

I shouldnt have put the elements down there at the bottom as it made turning the nuts harder. should have put them up on the next tier up

Im in n Northern Ireland uk.

[barneey]

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=52016&p=547744&hili ... er#p547744

+ With the Km nuts normally you can tap them around

[Down2Die]

thanks barney seen that thread even asked if he could knock up some for me ...all gone to other brewer it seems.
good to have the exact measurements mind. will have a scout around see if any online.....

[Down2Die]

At this all day its not sealing tried everything. fed up at this stage. anyone know of another element that will fit a 1.5'' hole. like an immersion heater or something different. maybe I can use reducer or something to fit it.

[Fil]

i think you might be better off trying the silicone seal on the inside than the outside, if your tightening from the outside that surface is under twisting forces while the inside is under compression.

try replacing the washer/rubber ring if one present on the element with a silicone baking sheet cut out, it may be fitted to expect a specific mating surface, cut the inner hole slightly small so you stretch the silicone round the element and it sheaths the first mm or so..

you can get ss m38 locknuts on ebay for about £10 wich will let you really tighten things up..

[Deller12]

Hello all. Ive got a leaking keggle. using two cordless heating elements this type
http://www.thehomebrewcompany.ie/spare- ... -1100.html
also have two km8 locknuts and have tried various washers etc silicone and the ones that come with the elements and its still leaking. ive flattened the keg wall and everything. I think the main problem is theirs not enough thread on the elements to really lock them tight. any other suggestions on this before I give up?

Real stupid question but have you got the KM8 nuts round the right way ?the large flat should be facing outwards ?

[EoinMag]

Hi Down2Die, you could contact AleMan if you are a member of the Irish website www.beoir.ie, he has a metalworks in Cork and he might be able to come up with a solution for you, he's shortly going to open a brewery himself from what I understand and he's a great man for small engineering jobs.

[barneey]

+ the above suggestion

just found an ebay seller doing custom cutting things http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2mm-Stainless ... 4aaeb1c0da might be worth a try.