Push/Pull Valve Handle Bent Pin

[tmh86]

I'm trying to replace the o-rings on my leaky push/pull valve (Pentair 26-1165). The piston assembly is the older type with a metal shaft. In order to replace the rings in the upper part of the assembly, the handle must be removed by pulling the pin that holds it in the shaft.

The problem is that the pin is bent, as seen in the photos below. I've made a few attempts to straighten the pin with pliers or by tapping with a hammer, so that it could be pulled out, but no luck so far.

Does anyone have tips, tricks, or clever ideas for removing this bent pin?

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to TFP! Well, if a couple pair of Vice Grips or using a bench vice don't do it, you might try finding a piece of stock metal tubing to help give you more leverage. The pipe would have to be a small enough diameter to hang onto the exposed pins but still be strong enough to apply force.

 

[Texas Splash]

Drastic measure - cut off one of those ears so you can slide it out form the other side.

 

[JamesW]

In order to replace the rings in the upper part of the assembly, the handle must be removed by pulling the pin that holds it in the shaft.

Why does the handle need to be removed?

 

[tmh86]

Why does the handle need to be removed?

Thanks for the replies!

There are 3 o-rings that are all below the white top cap of the push/pull valve, and can't be removed unless the cap is removed (which requires removing the handle): #1) between the cap and the metal shaft, #2) between the cap and the main body of the valve, #3) the upper main o-ring or disk

#2 could possibly be installed by stretching the o-ring over the cap. But as luck would have it, that is the only one of the 3 rings that is not leaking.

#3 is not a normal o-ring. It is a disk with a small central hole, just large enough for the metal shaft to pass thru. The outer edge of the disk has a thickness and radius to it, very similar to an o-ring. You can search for images of "Pentair 273059" to see what it looks like.

As mentioned before, this is the older style push-pull valve with the metal shaft. It is different from the newer style with the plastic shaft, which uses true o-rings. The metal shaft has a wider section between the upper and lower main disks (or o-rings). Unless I've missed something on how to disassemble the shaft, the wide part of the shaft prevents the upper seal (#3) and upper shaft o-ring (#1) from being removed from the bottom of the shaft.

 

[JamesW]

Those valves are junk.

I would replace it with a Multiport valve.

 

[tmh86]

Those valves are junk.

I would replace it with a Multiport valve.

This push-pull valve has been somewhat troublesome, and replacing it with a multiport is my long-term plan. For now, I'm hoping to repair this valve and get another 12 - 24 months out of it before doing a major equipment replacement and replumbing.

 

[ferretbone]

For this reason I always change the whole stem out. Even when the pin is not bent it is a real pain getting it out, and putting it back in. It's just not worth the time and trouble.

 

[Poolbreh]

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