Lubricating Pentair Multiport Valve

[y_not]

I have a Pentair Meteor series sand filter that I acquired used and need to do some work on the multiport, as it's VERY hard to turn.

I took it apart, see pics, what do I need to lube? The spider gasket seems decent enough and the previous owner wasn't having problems with it, so I'd like to leave that this season. Do I just lube that, plus the center pin, or is there more that needs lube.. spring? What about that teflon washer that's cupped?

Thanks!
Ps. I plan on cleaning all that icky dirt out.

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[duraleigh]

If you enjoy messing with and fixing things, google that up to see if they make a "re-fit" kit. It looks like that multi-port has been through a lot and I would suggest replacing anything that moves (and the spider gasket)......they all look quite worn out.

By far, the best way to get your pool up and running (without leaks) quickly is a new multi-port. That would be my first choice.

 

[y_not]

Yes, I'm very mechanical.
Thanks for the suggestion.
I have looked into it a bit, I'd still like to try lubing and reassembling it though, as I have nothing to lose but a little time if it doesn't work.

Other than some rust and some scale from the minerals in the water here, it's really not that bad once I cleaned it up. Still have to de-rust the spring.

The spider gasket is plenty supple and not flattened out. It's just yellow and ugly because of the previous owner's acidic pucks. :what:

What points should be lubed on these? I know the spider should be, how much, thin, or generous coating? I see there's a black o-ring on the shaft that has lube on it, that's the only place that does.
I know about the pin, how about the spring ends, or the metal washer?

I'll see if I can find a replacement Teflon washer, but the question is, do they start out new as flat, or curved?

Thanks

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[gtemkin]

Definitely need to lube the o-ring. Could put a thin coat of lube on the main shaft and the bore it rides in. Spider gasket doesn't need lube but a thin coat wouldn't hurt anything.

The washer is Polyethylene, not Teflon. It would have been flat to start, but repeated single side rubbing by the handle induced the curvature.

 

[bobodaclown]

You can get the scale and calcium off the plastic by soaking in a 1:5 mixture of Muriatic Acid/water. Soak the parts, they might need a little scrubbing, wear gloves and goggles.

 

[y_not]

Sweeeeet! Good info. Thanks!!

Which o-ring, the big thin one on the Multiport cover?

I got this to use for lubricant, since the forum recommends a synthetic non-petroleum silicone or teflon ptfe lube.
Super Lube Synthetic Grease With Syncolon "PTFE"

I made a paste out of Barkeeper's Friend and coated the parts in it. The oxcyllic acid in it (derived from rhubarb) eats calcium and rust. HEHE

If it needs more cleaning, then I'll soak it in MA. Thanks for the tip, I was wondering if I could do that, but was afraid of hurting the plastics.

EDIT: Forgot url link to lubricant.

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[gtemkin]

Yes, lubricate all o-rings. The lubricant you found should work fine.

 

[y_not]

What a little cleaning will do.
All oxalic acid, didn't even need the ma.

Hard to see in the pic, but the spring is shiny new.

Got it all lubed, cleaned, and reassembled. Moves VERY nicely now. Can't wait to rid myself of this Intex cartridge filter. HAHA
Will test as soon as I get some pea gravel to use under my sand bed.

Please remind me again what size pea gravel?

Thx everyone!!

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