Sprinkler Valve Problems

[jmadden91]

I am having a problem with my sprinkler valve, It is the first I have modified and it leaks out the barrel pretty rapidly. I have tried Cleaning the Diaphragm extensively, but it had no effect.

I have put it down to my modification, where the pipe connector enters the valve body maybe it is prohibiting the diaphragm from sealing properly?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

[geardog32]

how is it leaking? can you get it up to a pressure of like 30 psi and still leak?
pilot hole to small? maybe try some silicon grease?

[jmadden91]

Cheers mate, Ill look into it. I can pump up however high I want, it just leaks faster lol

Edit: As to how its leaking, it just comes out the barrel lol. Like the diaphragm just doesnt make a proper seal

[Technician1002]

Cheers mate, Ill look into it. I can pump up however high I want, it just leaks faster lol

Edit: As to how its leaking, it just comes out the barrel lol. Like the diaphragm just doesnt make a proper seal

It could be possible the port that went through the electric pilot valve is leaking. Did you seal up the original pilot port? It vents into the barrel.

[jmadden91]

Do you mean this port tech? If so, no I haven't

Edit: Sealed, tested, same problem

[Technician1002]

Do you mean this port tech? If so, no I haven't

Edit: Sealed, tested, same problem

That's the one. You are down to finding the damage to the diaphragm or valve seat. Something is keeping it open. Check the flow direction. When reversed they won't seal either.

[jmadden91]

Lol I have the valve the right way :p I think it must be how the nipple protrudes into the casing, it must be keeping the valve open as the diaphragm and seat look fine.

Thanks for the help tech

[Hubb]

What kind of pump do you use? Also, where is your fill valve? And, are you sure the "arrows" on the valve are pointing the right way?

1) If you use a bicycle pump, try an electrical air compressor
2) If you use a bicycle pump, move the fill valve from the chamber to the pilot area
3) Make sure the valve is facing the right way

[jmadden91]

Lol the valve is the right way trust me. My fill valve is in the chamber and I am using a bike pump at the moment. Ill try my compressor and see what happens, then try moving my fill valve to the pilot side.

The problem is however, I can easy pump the cannon to 120 psi and it still leaks, surely if the the problem is as you suggest, it would seal after a certain pressure is reached?

Thanks for the help mate its driving me mad lol

[Hubb]

Are you sure it's leaking out the barrel and not from the pilot? Try sealing the pilot valve into the sprinkler valve head with epoxy. Also, check the diaphragm really well and make sure it is not damaged.

[cannon monkey]

ok ok here what u do love saying that

depending on the size of ur chamber u need
1. find a place big enough bathtub or a pool
2. put the whole thing under water
3. start filling your chamber
4. look for air bubbles around the pilot valve and around the seal of the whole valve system

if that dont show u where the leak is your problem will be the diaphragm
or valve seat

and make sure the arrows <--- are pointed at the barrle and NOT the chamber

i really hope u find the problem

[grock]

there might be a guide rod in the middle of the valve, one that goes from the pilot to the barrel. try putting some hot glue in int. worked for me

[jmadden91]

Awesome thanks for all the help guys. It is definitely leaking out the barrel, as I can place my hand over it and let the pressure build up. I Have checked the diaphragm and valve seat extensively and it all seems fine.

@grock, it does have a guide rod, where abouts did you fill with hot glue?

Thanks again guys its driving me mental lol. It was mind you, the cheapest in the store. Is it possible it will make a seal with water but not with air?

[Hubb]

Best thing to do with the guide rod is to leave it alone. It is there for a reason and does not require any modifications.

You say you can hold your hand over the barrel and pressure will build up. If you allow the pressure to build up, will the diaphragm stay closed? If so, you should try some of the suggestions I mentioned above (move the schrader, drop the bike pump). If that doesn't work for you, then you probably have a faulty valve/diaphragm. And if that is the case, let it be a lesson to you: Next time, go for quality.

[jmadden91]

Lol I think thats where im at. Haha have no problems getting piston valves to work but am stumped by the lowly sprinkler

Cheers for the help guys, im just going to replace it