Remove and replace vacuum valve clip

Equipment doesn't work? Troubleshooting? If you're handy, members can help.
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slipchuck
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Joined: 7 years ago

#1: Post by slipchuck »

My vacuum valve needs to be cleaned as it's spitting but it has this tiny clip.
How do I remove and replace it?
Also what do I soak the parts in and for how long?



Thanks

Randy
“There is nobody you can’t learn to like once you’ve heard their story.”

Nick111
Posts: 172
Joined: 6 years ago

#2: Post by Nick111 »

I would try nose pliers.To remove,one jaw pushing against the opening of the clip the other on the top of the valve.To replace,holding the nose pliers vertically one end of the jaw to the valve ,the other to the clip to push the clip in place.

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civ
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#3: Post by civ »

Hello:
slipchuck wrote: ... vacuum valve needs to be cleaned as it's spitting ...
Cleaned and 'o'ring replaced.
Preferably for a silicone one.
slipchuck wrote: ... but it has this tiny clip.
That clip keeps the valve plunger from diving inside the boiler.
It should not be removed until you have taken out the valve or you will lose the plunger inside.

And that will stay that way till you open the boiler to fish it out. 8^/.
slipchuck wrote: How do I remove and replace it?
You can pull it out the retainer ring and get it back in place with a pair of pliers, no big deal.
Just a question of manual dexterity and some patience.

BUT ...

From what I can see, to take off the valve (obviously with the machine cold and unplugged ) you will need a long tube wrench the size of the nut you see at the bottom.

Try maybe a spark plug removal tool?
Seems the same or approximate size.
Check with the machine's OEM or dealer about the size if the spark plug removal tool does not work.
slipchuck wrote: ... what do I soak the parts in and for how long?
Hot white vinagar for about 10'.
Rinse, inspect and repeat if necessary till it is clean.

Then change the 'o'ring, reassemble and refit on the boiler.

Let us know how it went.

Cheers,

CIV

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slipchuck (original poster)
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#4: Post by slipchuck (original poster) »

Thanks

Is there a gasket that goes between the boiler and the valve?
No matter how much pipe tape I put on it won't stop leaking when it's up to pressure!
It looks like it might have been one there but it was so worn out it's hard to tell





Randy
“There is nobody you can’t learn to like once you’ve heard their story.”

Marcelnl
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Joined: 10 years ago

#5: Post by Marcelnl »

I recently did the same job, cleaning was enough to revive the vac valve on my Urania. From what I found, but I did not search too long as I needed to take the valve out to see what dimensions it has, there are only a few variants and mostly 1/2" and 3/8". If the threading matches thread tape ought to be enough, but apparently not in your case. Does the thread match?
LMWDP #483

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slipchuck (original poster)
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#6: Post by slipchuck (original poster) replying to Marcelnl »

Yes they match and screw in well



Randy
“There is nobody you can’t learn to like once you’ve heard their story.”

Marcelnl
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#7: Post by Marcelnl »

too much thread tape can work against you too, 2-3 windings in the right direction should be enough
LMWDP #483

Marcelnl
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Joined: 10 years ago

#8: Post by Marcelnl »

BTW: I managed to lose the circlip and replaced it with some shrink tube, my vac valve sits horizontally so it works well enough to secure the stem. :oops:
LMWDP #483

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civ
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#9: Post by civ »

Hello:
slipchuck wrote: Thanks
You're welcome.
slipchuck wrote: ... gasket that goes between the boiler and the valve?
Was there one before?
slipchuck wrote: No matter how much pipe tape I put on it ...
... looks like it might have been one
Hmm ...
A photo of the valve and catch-cup as they were when off the boiler would be helpful.

Unless I am mistaken (apart from the teflon pipe tape) if there was a gasket it would have been between the catch-cup and the boiler and not between the valve and the catch cup.

Like this:

|||
|||
=== <--- valve
|||
| | <--- catch-cup
|_____|
******** <--- gasket
=========== <--- boiler body/valve catch-cup seat

I can't get the ASCII symbols above centered on the same axis, but you get the idea.

Check to see that the valve catch-cup seat is clean and maybe try a teflon/EPDM or even red fiber washer the same size as the valve thread.

Please post photos to illustrate what you are doing.

Cheers,

CIV

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slipchuck (original poster)
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#10: Post by slipchuck (original poster) »

Catch cup and valve


Not sure what you mean about the Teflon tape near the hole



Randy
“There is nobody you can’t learn to like once you’ve heard their story.”

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