The sprinkler valve mystery

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goathunter
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Thu Feb 15, 2007 9:34 pm

All right here is the problem I modded a orbit 3/4'" sprinkler valve. It worked like a champ until I took it apart to paint the outside.When I reassembled it and shot, the valve would never fully discharge. I replaced the diaphragm(I screwed up the first one trying to modify that) then fired again and still did the same thing. So I then replaced the little air gun and used a ball valve. It works better but still not as good as it did before. I've taken the gun and valve apart, everything is properly placed and in order. Any ideas on what went wrong and how to fix it?
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Pete Zaria
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Thu Feb 15, 2007 9:51 pm

Try slightly lubricating the diaphragm and guide rod (if Orbit's have one, never used one myself). Just a little works; make sure you use something that won't eat the seals.

Did you follow a guide for modding it? I think there's one in our How-To section that might clear things up a bit...

Peace,
Pete Zaria.

PS - Welcome to the forums. Please read over the rules, and remember to search before posting a question. *Many* questions have been answered before, and are kept in the archives so to speak. Hope you stick around :)
goathunter
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Fri Feb 16, 2007 6:43 pm

Thank you for welcoming me. And yes I did check the forum but couldn't find anything like what was happening. I'll definetly try oiling it. Thanks
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BC Pneumatics
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Fri Feb 16, 2007 6:51 pm

Don't oil it, grease it.
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Pete Zaria
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Sat Feb 17, 2007 4:58 pm

@Goathunter
Don't use oil; I said to use something that won't eat the seals. Rubber and petrolium-based lubes (oil, vasaline, etc...) don't get along. Use grease as BC suggested, or some other rubber-compatible lubricant. I use just a thin coating of teflon bike chain grease from the local bicycle store.

Peace,
Pete Zaria.
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jrrdw
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Sat Feb 17, 2007 5:21 pm

Me, i use WD-40, no signs of any damage yet. If your worried about damageing your diaphram then try a thin coating of White Litheum greese.
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judgment_arms
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Sat Feb 17, 2007 5:36 pm

WD-40 isn’t a petroleum based product; its main ingredient is fish oil. You could use it like “Pam” (the non-stick cooking spray stuff) if you really want to, but to be on the safe side I wouldn’t.
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SpudBlaster15
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Sun Feb 18, 2007 2:43 am

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Tobe_666
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Mon Feb 19, 2007 3:54 am

How much on a rough scale is a 3/4' sprinkler valve?
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chaos
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Mon Feb 19, 2007 3:59 am

tobe google it! do ya research.
Sanityjr
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Mon Feb 19, 2007 3:20 pm

Will this work?
http://www.gunk.com/prod_photo.asp

I have the spray form of this. Would that be any different?
goathunter
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Tue Feb 20, 2007 6:36 pm

I tried lubing it and it didn't work any better so I junked the valve and made the gun electronic again. No the oil didn't eat the seal I use key oil and it doesn't eat rubber. If anything vegetable oil will eat certain kinds of rubber.
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