[Joe Sr.]

Just started cleaning my new kegs.  The gas in tubes are plastic.  And look like they've turned brown over time.

Can I just replace these with stainless gas in tubes?  I'm assuming these are not something I want to continue using.

The kegs are Challenger VI, I believe.

[a10t2]

I'm fairly sure that on mine the plastic dip tubes are narrower than a steel one would be. It might not be possible to switch them out.

I figure they don't touch the beer, so meh.

[Joe Sr.]

Thanks, Sean.  I tore apart another keg and yes they are narrower.

I also found this thread. http://www.homebrewersassociation.org/forum/index.php?topic=279.0

I typically shake to carbonate, so they'll touch.  I'll see if they smell.  I'll also sanitize the bejesus out of them.

Maybe, I'll cut down some other tubes or just try them without.  Fun.  Thought these kegs were a good price.  But I'm they guy who wanted them cuz they were blue so who's to blame but me.

[saintpierre]

I haven't found anyone who makes those parts anymore. Unfortunately the standard dip tube won't fit either. The nylon gas in tapers down where the SS ones dont. The ones i had were in really bad shape IIRC one was cracked
I ended up drilling out the gas in hole and sanded the inside of the keg to get any little shards. The new SS gas in tube fit perfectly. Good luck.

[Joe Sr.]

Thanks.  It's good to know there are options.

I'm going to start with just using them, since they're intact.  Hopefully that's not a bad idea.

No root beer in these kegs.  Sprite and other stuff.  Odors are gone with a brief soak.

[a10t2]

I typically shake to carbonate, so they'll touch.  I'll see if they smell.  I'll also sanitize the bejesus out of them.

I do too actually, but as much as possible I try to do it with the keg on its side and the gas-in post at the top. At any rate, I figure my sanitation is either good or it isn't. I ferment in plastic too.

[Joe Sr.]

I'm not so worried about sanitation as I am whatever odd soda flavors might be there.

If you're good with them, though, that is some comfort.

[Jimmy K]

I had one of those and bought a stainless tube (not realizing it was narrower).  I shortened the SS gas tube so it did not stick through the constriction. I mean really short - it's about 1/4 inch long now. It is just big enough to hold the o-ring, but it works fine.

[Joe Sr.]

Looks like you can get new ones, too. 

http://www.austinhomebrew.com/product_info.php?products_id=12475

So many options...

[Joe Sr.]

Just following up on my solution.  I was skeeved out by the brown tubes so I chose not to use them.

Two gaskets doubled up sealed the gas post on the first keg I reconditioned.  I went with stainless washers and a gasket on the next two.  Washers were $0.27 so a better deal than a chopped tube.

The last keg already had a stainless tube but didn't look like it had been drilled out.  I left that one alone.

[wactuary]

I'm glad to have seen this thread. The last two kegs I bought, several years ago, had these plastic tubes. One I tossed before I realized my extra stainless part wouldn't fit. A lot of good solutions here. I may finally get those two back into service! Thanks!

[Jeff M]

http://www.cornykeg.com/catalog.asp?prodid=752558&showprevnext=1

i think these would work no?

[Joe Sr.]

http://www.cornykeg.com/catalog.asp?prodid=752558&showprevnext=1

i think these would work no?

Nope.  These tubes would work if you cut them short.

The tubes I'm talking about narrow just after the o-ring so a "standard" dip tube won't fit.

[gsandel]

I had some wwith some real nasty looking (browned and melted looking) plastic gas in tubes....replaced with stainless, no problems, no leaks.  It must have been ones where the gas in wasn't smaller diameter, (or just got lucky).

Curious.