How do I get these orings out?

BeezFun · Feb 10, 2018

I'm replacing the spool orings on a set of valves, on some of the valves the stepped washer shown loose in this photo pops right out, but on other valves it's stuck from years of corrosion so it's trapping the oring:

I've seen non metallic dental picks advertised, is that what I should use to get these orings out? I've got the same problem at the other end of the spool. Some of the bushings (pointed to by the pencil) slide right out, others are stuck from years of corrosion under the bottom cap:

I'd really like to get both those bushings out and free the orings, but it would take a very specialized tool to get them free I think.

RalphVa · Feb 10, 2018

Think I've just used a little straight screw driver to get under them. Of course, a non metallic dental pic would be less likely leave a scratch.

Ralph

2ndhalf · Feb 10, 2018

https://www.walmart.com/ip/PALMETTO...93696&wl11=online&wl12=40827201&wl13=&veh=sem

JRobyn · Feb 10, 2018

I might first try a vigorous wire brushing of the washer and valve body to remove as much corrosion as possible. A fine brush on an arbor in my drill press is my favorite method. Then a good soak of penetrating oil and about an hour or two wait, then heat the valve body gently with a heat gun. They might just fall out after that.

Could you slip an open-end wrench over the valve shaft that just fits the shaft but is smaller than the bushing and gently tap on the side of the wrench to loosen the bushings? A wrap of masking tape around the valve shaft might be a good idea first.

BeezFun · Feb 10, 2018

JRobyn said:
I might first try a vigorous wire brushing of the washer and valve body to remove as much corrosion as possible. A fine brush on an arbor in my drill press is my favorite method. Then a good soak of penetrating oil and about an hour or two wait, then heat the valve body gently with a heat gun. They might just fall out after that.

I've been soaking it for a week. I'll try the heat gun.

Could you slip an open-end wrench over the valve shaft that just fits the shaft but is smaller than the bushing and gently tap on the side of the wrench to loosen the bushings? A wrap of masking tape around the valve shaft might be a good idea first.

The picture is confusing, that's actually one of the bushings that came right out of the valve body. It will slide off the spool with no problem. Some of the bushings are stuck in the valve body. This was all caused by having torn boots around the actuator levers, which let water into the cap, which created about 2 tablespoons full of rust. I've got new boots, but I'm going to drill a small drain hole in the bottom of the cap to let any water out.

AWSubie · Feb 10, 2018

If you get desperate (last chance scenario) bake the valve body in the kitchen oven at 300 'F for 15-30 minutes and then submerge it in cold water.
Wear appropriate safety equipment, face shield, goggles. etc.

JRobyn · Feb 12, 2018

BeezFun said:
The picture is confusing, that's actually one of the bushings that came right out of the valve body. It will slide off the spool with no problem. Some of the bushings are stuck in the valve body. This was all caused by having torn boots around the actuator levers, which let water into the cap, which created about 2 tablespoons full of rust. I've got new boots, but I'm going to drill a small drain hole in the bottom of the cap to let any water out.

I THOUGHT that might be the case....

I'd probably avoid the oven unless it's kept under about 200 deg. You can get stuff really hot, quite quickly, with most heat guns too, but they're better at keeping the heat localized (JMHO).

If you push a screwdriver tip in under the washers (and into the o-rings some), and then use a piece of something solid between the screwdriver shaft and valve body as a fulcrum, will they pry out? Might damage the underside of the washers some, but perhaps there's parts available, or just some filing would clean that up.