Leaking Multi-port Valve

DIYconvert · Apr 13, 2011

I have a Pac Fab multi-port valve model SP-712-2 that is leaking from the top. After a little research I'm thinking I need to replace an O ring. Do I need the "GO KIT 10 Universal 5-SPOKE Multiport Rebuild Kit SP-710X / SP-712 (after 1976)" (http://www.poolcenter.com/go_kits_by_aladdin_valve_kits.htm)? Is this a simple fix?
I was intimidated by my Polaris until I watched a You Tube video on how to rebuild one. Now I'm comfortable changing out bearings, etc. I've never touched the valve though and want to make sure I know what I'm doing before I start taking it apart. I can't not have that working!

Thanks for your help in advance!

JasonLion · Apr 14, 2011

The GO Kit will have the o-ring you need, which can also be found separately. Mutli-port servicing is simpler than Polaris servicing, so it should be easy for you. There are videos around on YouTube if that helps.

DIYconvert · May 8, 2011

I got it fixed. The spider gasket was bent and not seating properly causing the leak. I got the GO KIT 10 and replaced all the gaskets except the little shaft O-ring. I couldn't figure out how to remove the old one. If anyone knows how please tell me. I found a YouTube video on how to replace a spider gasket (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNyQZEhwdoE). However, I also found a site that described how to replace most of the gaskets (except the little O-ring) at: http://www.poolrepair.com/archive/spider.html. Contrary to conventional wisdom this site recommended NOT gluing the spider gasket and, instead, just use some waterproof grease to help it seal. It tried that, thinking I could just go back and glue it if it didn't work. Seems to be working fine so far.

Thanks for all the help!

DIYconvert · Apr 17, 2013

Just thought I'd update this old post with some new information in case someone is looking to solve a similar problem. The leaking stopped after I replaced the spider gasket; for a while. However, the leaking started again after a few years so I thought, no problem, I'll just fix the gasket again. Didn't work this time. While performing a major overall of my pump station recently I finally just took the whole thing out and brought it to the pool store to make sure I got a matching new one. The guy at the store pointed out a hairline crack that was causing the leak. It was pretty obvious when you knew what to look for. So, this is just a reminder to not overlook the obvious. If your valve is leaking and a new GO KIT doesn't fix it look for a crack.

jblizzle · Apr 17, 2013

Is the crack something that is visible in a picture? Or are they certain places where the crack may be typical?

Wondering if we can learn what to look for.

Bama Rambler · Apr 17, 2013

It would be great if you could post a picture of the crack.

DIYconvert · May 11, 2013

Sorry, I didn't notice the replies earlier asking about the crack. Unfortunately, I threw out the old valve. The crack was literally the thickness of a strand of hair (aka a "hairline" crack). I think it ran along the short section of the threaded return line sticking out from the side. My guess is that I may have caused it by overtightening the joint when I installed a new return line pipe (which I did when I added a port for my liquidator).