Watts Manifold Leaking through Balancing Valve

FB

While replacing deteriorated "O" rings that seal between the Balancing Valves and Return Manifold, I found that one of the Balancing Valves has been leaking at the hole in the brass plug where the spring-loaded nickel colored pin protrudes upward to contact the Actuator. When the brass plug is unscrewed from the valve, it reveals an "O" ring near the bottom of the plug that seals between the OD of the plug and the ID of the valve. But I don't see any sealing to prevent water from leaking up and out the ID of the hollow brass plug's passage hole for the nickel colored pin. (The bottom photo makes the inside of the brass plug appear dark but there is no sealing inside the plug) Watts does not list these valves in their catalog. Any suggestions for stopping the leak are appreciated


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hot_rod

yes there is an o-ring up inside there. I'm not sure how easy it would be to replace. Or the stem could be worn that a new ring may not seal.
Is it a stainless manifold, how many ports?

mattmia2

I think you would be able to pop that out and back in with a small angled pick or wire. You would probably have to have just the right diameter and thickness to get it to both seal and stay where it is supposed to be.

FB

Hot_Rod, thank you! There is a tiny o-ring in there! I can see it with a magnifying glass and a really bright flashlight. This is a seven port stainless manifold. Watts does not catalog the valves or any of the internal valve parts, explaining they are "proprietary". When this manifold gets replaced, it will be with a more user friendly Caleffi. Mattmia2 is no doubt correct about replacing o-rings but the eyes are no longer sharp and timely sourcing would be a problem.

hot_rod

In have a brand new 5 port that you are welcomed to for parts. Cover my shipping and trip to PO, 30 bucks?

HomerJSmith

You might use a sewing needle to extract the o-ring. I would polish the protrusion with 1200 wet and dry sandpaper with a little water. I buy my EPDM o-rings from OringUSA. com I would lube the protrusion with a little pure silicone grease.