3 replies to this topic

[Will H]

I would like to replace the tubing from my pump to inflatable gasket on a VCT. They are in use now and I'm hoping to have new ones available when I rack this weekend. A couple of the ones I have are marked 4-4-85. The others are not marked at all. Does anyone know the non metric size for the tubing? I'm looking for a very snug to tight fit so I can avoid multiple clamps at each connection.

In a previous post, the poster added an inline shutoff valve for the assemby. It looked like it was barbed on both ends. I have been looking locally for the items and need to know what it's called or what some of its other uses are. I'm thinking an HVAC supply company may have the part. Any help?

Also, what gasket are you using to replace the original ones that came with the tanks? I have tried the white Morewine gaskets and while I like them, they only fit two of my tanks. The thickness of the gasket (uninflated) is greater than the space between the side of the top and inside of tank. The result is that the friction on the sides makes it difficult to push the top down to wine level. I have read of blue and black gaskets, but have not been able to search for the seller.

[naper wine guy]

I believe the tubing for the pump is 1/4" ID

Best way to be sure is take the pump down to a local ACE hardware, or the like and try out the hoses and choose the one that gives you the best fit. I'm not sure, no matter the size, you can achieve a 100% air-tight seal on the barbs w/o using hose clamps though.

I think the post you are referring to is on this forum http://www.winepress.us/forums/index.php?/topic/40822-bulk-aging-or-storing-wine-in-variable-volume-stainless-steel-tanks/

[Whackfol]

5/16 ID tubing fit mine the best. As to the shutoff, I added one after reading about it in the referenced post. The only one I could find at the time was a gas supply shutoff with two barbed ends from my LHBS. It too is 5/16ths. I now use the shutoff in place of the coupling between the tubing and the inflatable gasket. The white gasket has it's own barbed end. It did not fit my tank for the same reason yours did no. Too thick.

Hopefully someone will chime in about a source for sturdy replacement gasket that is not the Morewine one.

[naper wine guy]

St Pats stopped carrying the white rubber ones - spoke to the guy there and he said demand just wasnt there for them.