For valves that are difficult to open or close, HURCO recommends the following incremental approach to take care of the problem valve.
Slick Stick
Hurco utilizes a patented wand that releases a precise amount of a special penetrating fluid with trace amounts of silicone. This special fluid helps loosen corrosion around the valve stem at the valve body. The penetrating fluid evaporates, leaving the silicone to help keep the valve stem lubricated between exercise intervals.
Valve manufacturers do not allow operating their valves above their rated torque specifications; it can be dangerous and almost certainly damage the valve. We know from experience that cities will try just about anything to break a stuck valve loose including application of excessive torque. If this is the city’s choice, then a simple three step approach, including the use of a special penetrating fluid and impact wrench, will increase their chance of success. |
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| 1) Clean the valve box so you can easily access the valve nut and the valve stem. |
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| 2) Give the valve stem a quick spray with Hurco’s “Slick Stick” and special penetrating fluid with silicone. |
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| 3) Let the valve sit for a few minutes and try again with the Spin Doctor®. If you reach the maximum allowable torque for the valve you are operating, stop immediately. |
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4) At this point the water district will have a choice of either digging up the valve and repairing it or replacing it. As an option, use the Stanley Impact Tool to break the valve loose. Even though there is always a risk in operating above the valve manufactures torque recommendations or operating a very old and corroded valve, some water districts will want to take the risk. Always be cautious when operating these problem valves and be prepared for the worst. Impact torque is more likely to “break the valve loose” than brute continuous torque. The impact with the Stanley Impact Tool can apply up to 3,500 ft. lbs. of torque. |
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