Spider Gasket - First Obsticle

[Poconos]

Scott,
Looks like almost the same as the gaskets used in the Hayward valves. Somewhat thick thing, special shape, relatively soft, and glued into channels in the valve body that hold it in place. First suggestion would be to see if another manufacturer uses the same gasket. Take the assembly to a pool store and see if something will fit. On the glue, many on this forum say glue doesn't hold. Hayward recommends super glue. Tried that once and it worked for a bit. Last year I used silicone seal because a couple webs let loose. Cleaned the channels well, wiped with alcohol, then filled channels with silicone seal, placed gasket, reassembled valve, set the handle to put pressure on it, moved the handle a few times in the first few hours to make sure all webs were under pressure, let it cure, opened valve and cut any excess squished seal away. We will see. Oh, I also cut a circular piece of plastic sheeting to place between the gasket and the top valve piece so the seal wouldn't stick the two together. I coated the plastic sheet with wax on the silicone side as a mold release agent. Silicone seal won't stick. If all else fails and you can't find a gasket you may be able to make one...from guess what...silicone seal. Got some ideas if it comes to that. Stuff is great. Years ago I used clear seal to make an engine mount for my 81 Harley. Held up a lot better than the original.
Al