Help needed - sheared-off gunite venturi nozzle

Jump to latest Follow Reply
W

wanders

0
Apr 29, 2018
11
Austin TX
Two of my spa jets were clogged, so this morning I drained the spa and removed them to clean it out. One of the nozzles came out nicely, but alas, the other sheared off. They are very old (I'll be replacing all 4 of the nozzles). Here are some relevant pix (I cannot figure out TFP's post editor, so I'm just putting the links here):

open

and
its surviving sibling: pic1 pic2 pic3​


Specs on the (nominal) nozzle: 3.25" long, 1/2" threaded length, thread looks to be 3/4" by 14 TPI thread, 1/2" hex removal boss, 5/16" jet orifice.

I need help from the TFP plumbing experts to answer two questions:

1) First and foremost, what tool do I use to remove the broken-off nozzle stub? I assume there is some left-hand threaded pipe nipple extraction tool that might work - is that what the pros use?

2) Secondly, what nozzles do I use as replacements? I've g**gled the Interweb, and I've found no exact replacements, but there are some 4" hex-shaped nozzles that might work, e.g., Waterway 217-3340 4" nozzle

but sadly, I've not been able to get exact specs on this nozzle. I'm OK with a larger orifice (that is, 7/16" would be fine), as this would increase flow to the spa's waterfall, at the cost of some velocity for the jets. But I've got a monster booster pump on this spa, and flow velocity while using the spa is the least of my worries.

Help me, Mr. Wizard. :) Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Willie
 
Last edited:
kadavis said:
Is there any markings or numbers on the old nozzles
Click to expand...

Sadly, no. I know that Leslie's website lists the Waterway nozzle mentioned above as something they sell. I'm hoping that a local Leslie's will have it in stock (I should be so lucky) so that I can go in and compare threading, sizing, etc. It is the only nozzle that I've seen that is even close.
 
I was able to extract the broken nozzle's nipple with the aforementioned Orbit extractor, but it was not straightforward. The T-bar handle was too short to reach the nipple, and of course it was a left-handed thread (appropriately) so there would be no way to find some all-thread to extend it. Luckily, there was a 1/2" hex boss on the end of the extractor (to tighten it on the T-bar, presumably), and I was able to use my trusty 3/8" socket tools and a 1/2" socket to drive the extractor. The method that worked:

- use some masking tape to wrap the hex boss so that it fits tightly in the socket
- use an appropriately long extension to reach the nipple
- use a hammer to "set" the extractor in the nipple (this is KEY)
- don't be gentle; apply constant pressure against the nipple using a ratchet handle to extract nipple; listen for "squeaking" as nipple comes loose

Here are some links to pix:


A win is a win. :cool:
 
Last edited:
I've remeasured the nozzle and done some referencing online, and it is clear that this nozzle has a 1/2" male NPT (National Pipe Thread) thread, a normal tapered pipe thread. I've narrowed the nozzle search down to two very similar nozzles, the Waterway 217-3340 that I mentioned above, and a similar part from Balboa, a 30-4401 nozzle (it has a larger 1/2" orifice). I've contacted Waterway, and their support staff is either unable or unwilling to give me the thread on their part (sigh). Before I do some blind ordering, does anyone have experience with either of these parts? Thanks in advance....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Thread Status
Hello , This thread has been inactive for over 60 days. New postings here are unlikely to be seen or responded to by other members. For better visibility, consider Starting A New Thread.
Top Bottom
Back
Jump to latest Follow Reply