New Tool

Alan (California Radiant) Forbes

I was looking forward to finishing my career without having to purchase any more expensive tools, but that won't happen just yet as a job this week required the replacement of an old Wirsbo manifold. It seems that they don't make replacement valves for these manifolds any longer and this one was leaking from one of the outlet valves and with the way this manifold was installed, I had to re-work the 1" PEX to connect the new return manifold. If any of you are in the area and need a Milwaukee M18 expander tool, let me know.

mattmia2

Aren't there o-rings that can be replaced in those?

Alan (California Radiant) Forbes

Perhaps, but I couldn't even remove the valve. It was pretty rusty and deteriorated at the leak point and the flats rounded out immediately.

Also, the manifold is on the second floor of a $7M house and I can't take any chances with a leak.

ChrisJ

Alan (California Radiant) Forbes said:

I was looking forward to finishing my career without having to purchase any more expensive tools, but that won't happen just yet as a job this week required the replacement of an old Wirsbo manifold. It seems that they don't make replacement valves for these manifolds any longer and this one was leaking from one of the outlet valves and with the way this manifold was installed, I had to re-work the 1" PEX to connect the new return manifold. If any of you are in the area and need a Milwaukee M18 expander tool, let me know.

You could have bought a manual expander like I use.
Those M18's are steep.

mattmia2

I wouldn't want to do more than one or 2 of the 1" at a time with the manual tool but it does work if you manually rotate it.

ChrisJ

mattmia2 said:

I wouldn't want to do more than one or 2 of the 1" at a time with the manual tool but it does work if you manually rotate it.

I've heard rumor this guy used to do a lot of 3/4 and 1" with a manual expansion tool.






But like you said, for one or two joints, you'll manage.

GGross

This is why I keep tool rentals on hand! So the guy who does one or 2 f1960 connections a year does not need to purchase a $$$ tool, makes them more likely to purchase other things from me that they will actually use as well, and everyone comes out happier!.

rick in Alaska

Do those power heads still work? They are pretty notorious for breaking right at the base.
I won't even ask why there is teflon tape on those compression joints
Rick

Alan (California Radiant) Forbes

@rick in Alaska I don't know if any of those work. Once I repair the manifold, it will be time for testing them all. A lot of them are busted.

Also, all of the knurled nuts that secure them to the manifold are loose. Maybe they did that over time?

rick in Alaska

Not sure if you know this or not, but you don't tighten the nuts down all the way when you install them. You tighten them down until the pointer in the indicator window is centered in the window. At least that was how I was taught.
Rick

GGross

@rick in Alaska @Alan (California Radiant) Forbes

Those are a PITA, not because of how they function, but the replacements

Alan (California Radiant) Forbes said:

@rick in Alaska I don't know if any of those work. Once I repair the manifold, it will be time for testing them all. A lot of them are busted.

Also, all of the knurled nuts that secure them to the manifold are loose. Maybe they did that over time?

I do believe that if you are planning to replace those telestats the new ones don't come with the correct adapter. Try one of this part number before you order all the supplies, you should be able to use the current 2 or 4 wire telestats with this adapter. I usually have a little key ring with all of them so that the service guy can confirm which spacer ring to use.

A3019900 VA33 spacer ring Uponor local uponor supplier might not have these on hand, it's a pretty rare occurrence that I need them

A3023522 4-wire uponor telestat

rick in Alaska

I have had horrible luck with the adapters and the new telestats. I can get like one full turn with the adapters, and almost impossible to get the telestat locked on, and keep it on. My last job I just changed out the manifold to a Rehau and went with all new telestats.
Rick