If the beer is foamy that probablt means CO2 is bypassing the seal where the float tube is pushed into the back of the tap. To see if I am correct, tip the barrel forward slowly until the tap is below the surface and then pour some beer.
If it's not that route it can be that the tube is too loose on the two spigots. I find the o-rings need to be renewed occasionally. I also use silicone tubing now as the PVC stuff expands and hardens with time. If it is the first cause you can fix it temporarily with some PTFE thread tape wrapped around the seal and you could try this on the spigots too. I don't think the float is at the wrong angle. But when I fit new tubing I do make it a bit longer than the original to ensure freedom of movement at all levels.
Thanks Kelper, that's an interesting one, I will try what you suggest. I've only had two brews in this barrel so far. I fixed the first issue by rotating the spigot on the tap so it pointed upward (with the supplied float) and that worked. It was annoying to have to remove the lid on a precious batch, but I had no choice, turns out it didn't do any real damage. Problem was, the second brew would not pour, just foam or nothing, and the spigot was the same orientation. I whipped the lid of (again!) and it looked like the connector on the float was doomed to fail, I could easily see where gas may just push its way out instead of pushing down on the ale forcing it out as I guess is the theory behind it. So I bought the cask widge, which as you know is a tried and tested commercial float system with a nice silicone tube. It seemed to be a fairly good fit on the tap spiggot, but now you have me thinking it must be letting gas straight out.
Many thanks for this, creds to you, I'll let you know if it sorts it, but I'm pretty hopeful. Oh well, lid off again!!!!
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