Tinroofs
05-14-2011, 10:26 PM
Not that old Hayward VariFlo Valve for sand filter. Handle to select function needed has become very difficult to turn. Is there something to lube, replace or change in lieu of entire assembly. Thanks!
PoolDoc
05-15-2011, 08:05 AM
Usually, you can buy the entire top half of a multiport. But, that may not fix it, if the spider gasket is worn or damaged.
So, take the top of the valve off (6 or 8 SS machine screws with SS nuts) and check it out. Loosen all the screws a little, then go back and loosen all 1/3 of the way, then go back and loosen them all almost all the way BEFORE you remove a single screw. The handle if spring loaded, and if you remove them 1 by 1, the last screw may break out of the valve top from the spring tension -- NOT a good thing.
Inspect the valve, and especially the embedded spider gasket. It's possible to replace this gasket, but it's tricky to get it glued back in well.
However if the gasket is in good condition, you can replace the entire section you removed (save the screws!).
If it's in poor condition, you may want to consider replacing the valve.
Ben
aylad
05-18-2011, 05:46 PM
It's also possible that the spring has rusted and isn't allowing you to depress the handle correctly, if you've had a gasket leak for any length of time...
Janet