Open up and lubricate a Hayward multiport valve?

[steveg_nh]

Should I be maintaining this valve in any way? It's 2.5 years old and really feels like it's binding when I go from setting to setting. Think some O ring lube or something inside would go a long way. But I don't want to open it up and find you can't, or shouldn't. Or worse, have parts go flying all over the place when I pull the cover. I figure I need to do this, if I am, before I open the pool and it fills with water. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[Kiss4aFrog]

Mine is outside and uncovered and was starting to be VERY hard to turn. I took mine apart and found a lot of grit had found it's way into the void between the shaft under the handle and the cover itself. When taking it apart you need to compress a spring and that spring tension is something you do need to be careful with. Instead of mine coming apart from the spring tension I had to muscle it back and forth to finally get the shaft out. I scrubbed, washed and rinsed all the parts and replaced the O rings using a silicone based lube and it felt wonderful. I think it's been two years now and it's still smooth.
You might want to get the "go kit" Mine took "go-kit-39". Just google it and you can see what's in there. Or you can get the individual o rings and stuff on line or at a pool store.
There is also the possibility it's only the plastic washer that's called a "bearing" that's getting torn up and causing your problem. It's located right under the handle and it's what the handle rotates on. I had both a plastic washer that was rough and torn and the crud jammed in the shaft.
Plenty of youtube vids to show you how.


YourPoolHQ.com - How To Fix Your Pool Filter Multiport Valve - YouTube

 

[duraleigh]

Another common problem with a multi-port is the spider gasket or wagonwheel. It is pretty obvious where it sits on top of the base. Check it out.

2 good rules to follow...

1. Never move the multiport position with the pump running

2. Always move the multiport in the same direction.....either counterclockwise or clockwise.

 

[steveg_nh]

Thanks. I'm going to watch those videos. I NEVER move it when the pump is running, but do move it both directions. Only yesterday did I see the advice about going the same way. Kind of a pain when going from backwash to rinse, but better that than having to take it apart. I'm sure I'll be back with questions!

 

[steveg_nh]

So I got inside today. Easy actually. The spider gasket (wagon wheel) was fine, but bone dry. I added some lube to it. And the plastic washer under the handle did have a lot of crud as well, but I had a hard time compressing the two pieces so I could pop the pin and remove the handle to really get under there and lube the o rings on the handle. I was afraid if I got it off, I wouldn't be able to get it back in. Any tips for that, or just brute strength?

 

[steveg_nh]

And done! Thanks for the tips. I used two bar clamps to help me compress the spring once I had it apart (I didn't leave it as is, as it was still tough to turn). Worked like a charm. Only a few parts in there and pretty hard to screw up. I cleaned everything and lubed it well, including the O ring on the post. Put it all back together, put some lube on the white washer under the handle, and put a label on it "Clockwise only!" So smooth now, you could do it with one finger. Thanks for the tips! Another mystery shattered.

 

[Texas Splash]

Great to hear!