Recent content by nyquist

Thanks Jordon for your suggestions. I feel that both methods are for experienced plumbers, who can change the valve quickly! I'll have another look at the microswitch and it's actuating mechanism. Try a bit more WD40. Replace the switch if WD40 doesn't work. If the problem still...

Many thanks for that namsag. I did put a bit of WD40 on it, some time ago. That helped at the time, but the problem came back after a few months. AFAIK the valve spindle isn't unduly stiff. Sorry, but I don't understand what you mean by "stopping mechanism return away from switch"...

Further to my thread about the sticky microswitch, I've been searching for suppliers, and have found one source offering replacement heads in addition to complete units. On mine the head is not removable, without removing the motor & plate. As mine is nearly 30 years old, I'm wondering...

I've now had a look at the valve. It seems that the plate containing the motor has to be removed first, then the two supporting pillars unscrewed, to release the remaining part of the head. Does the group have any recommended on-line suppliers for Tower products? ie. Quick delivery, low...

He's probably better known for the Nyquist diagrams, which were used in the study of stability in linear control systems.

That's interesting and good news. I'm surprised that you can't buy the heads separately. Seems such a waste to have to throw away the body, when just the micro switch has failed.

Thanks, I'll have a look.

I've changed motors many times, but didn't realise that the head would come off as a complete unit. I'll get a complete unit, and just use the head. Which screws should I undo to remove the head? Many thanks for all the help. Cheers

Hi Agile, Yes! Was he gas-safe? Cheers

Hi Jordon, Many thanks for the suggestion. I was hoping to avoid draining part of the system, and any plumbing work. I would find it easier to replace the micro switch :) Pleased to know that the valves are still available after all these years. There are three valves on my system, so I...

Hi, My 30 year old system has Tower zone valves. One of the valves has a sticking microswitch or faulty switch actuating mechanism, which causes intermittent problems. The problem sees to be worse when the boiler temperature is turned down. I know which valve it is, but wonder whether...

We had a discussion about this 2 - 3 months ago. I measured 28 milli-volts when my thermocouple was hot and not connected. The resistance of my thermo couple was 0.2 ohms. You will need the lowest voltage range on your digital test meter. Mine is 400 milli-volts. Connect one probe to...

I've already got a water meter inside the house, which I had for about 15 years, so I don't think that would work! AFAIK you can't go back to not having a meter, once you have one. The problem with my neighbor's water meter installation was that the contractors who installed it did a...

Many thanks ChrisR for the information and suggestions, all noted for future use. The stopcock was probably installed around 1965. It's difficult to see exactly what type it is, due to the depth of the hole, and mud at the bottom. I suspect it may be seized up, due to flooding from a...

Hi All, I've recently purchased a stopcock key for future use. It has the crutch pattern and an inner square socket. I've noticed that the square socket is tapered. Are stopcock shafts likely to be similarly tapered, or is the purpose of the taper to enable it to be used for different...