WineKeeper MAGNUM Series - Manual (Page 14)

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8. What kind of regular maintenance should I perform on my unit?
Visually inspect the latex rings on each stopper assembly for wear or splits. Replace as needed. Inspect all O-rings on the inlet and
outlet sides of the regulator and any quick disconnect fittings on your unit. Replace when showing signs of wear or cracking (silicone
lubricant or mineral oil applied to these O-rings will increase their longevity). Clean all parts that come in contact with the wine
every 4 weeks (see cleaning instructions). Replace the white pinch clamps as needed.
9. How do I replace my stopper assembly?
You must first be sure to pinch off the nitrogen pinch clamp and release pressure from the wine bottle, then remove the complete
assembly from the cabinet by loosening the hose clamp using either a slotted screw driver or a 1⁄4" socket or nut driver. Pull the wine
tube (with the hose clamp still connected) off of the stainless steel siphon tube that passes through the stopper assembly. Pull off the
1⁄4" O.D. nitrogen supply line from the brass fitting on the rear of the stopper assembly. (Before replacing this tube on the brass
fitting later, you may need to cut off approximately 3/8" so that you will have a tight connection). Now that you have completely
removed the stopper assembly from the cabinet, grab the stainless tube at the bottom where it is bent, and pull it out of the stopper
assembly. Insert the stainless tube into the new stopper assembly, use a little water to lubricate the first 3"- 4". Simply reverse above
steps to re-install.
10. Which gas is better for my WineKeeper unit, nitrogen or argon?
Nitrogen, which comprises approximately 80% of the air we breathe, is inert (it has no odor, taste or color, and displaces oxygen).
Argon has similar properties, but is slightly heavier than air and tends to form a blanket between the surface of the wine and any air
trapped in the bottle. Neither gas has any special properties, such as neutralizing or encapsulating oxygen. Oxygen is what causes
wine to oxidize. While argon has a slight advantage, its benefits are minimal due to its higher expense and lower availability. The only
time argon out-performs nitrogen is when sparging an opened and poured bottle of fresh wine. Sparging is introducing a gas into
a bottle to force out as much air as possible before re-corking it. Using argon in a properly used and maintained WineKeeper may
slightly increase the wines useful life on the machine.
11. How long will wine last on my WineKeeper unit?
The length of time wine will remain fresh on your WineKeeper will vary based on a number of factors: temperature, wine age and
wine type, and cleanliness of your machine. This makes it impossible to give a firm length of time. As a guideline you should expect
wines to last approximately one to three weeks. Some wines, such as ports and sauternes, can remain sound for many weeks.
12. Why does my wine appear to be cloudy or flakey?
Cloudy or flakey wine may be a symptom of a dirty system and poor maintenance. Incorrect use of the system may also contribute to
this condition. See “Operating and Cleaning Instructions".
13. Why does my wine taste or smell bad?
If your WineKeeper unit has been working correctly for some time, but now you are noticing a change in the wine, the problem is
most likely due to poor maintenance and / or improper use. See: “Cleaning Your WineKeeper" and “Set up Instructions."
14. Why is my wine not pouring from one or more of my faucets?
If all of the faucets / stoppers appear to be not working at all, look at these problem areas:
• Nitrogen cylinder out of gas
• Nitrogen supply tube not connected to the regulator
• Nitrogen supply tube kinked or pinched
• All white plastic nitrogen pinch clamps are closed
• Stopper assemblies not tightened into neck of each bottle
• Nitrogen cylinder not opened
• Regulator failure