Advice on Drayton MA1 valve

[matty_hunt]

Hi. I need some advice please. I have a Drayton MA1 3-way valve unit. Ive had it in the garage for a couple of years but now thinking its time to fit it. Thing is, when I look inside at the rubber valve gate, I see that it touches the pipe ends on the hinge side but leaves a gap on the far side. Is this normal? Will the water pressure or temperature cause the rubber gate to close fully? Has age affected the rubber gate and is pointless fitting this? As I don't have another valve to compare it to I thought there might be a plumber on here who has one they could check. Many thanks.

Another forum post suggested the Honeywell valve as it has a ball gate instead of this flat face gate. I assume the ball makes a good seal each time as it sites in the cup of the open pipe. Should I scrap the drayton and get a Honeywell? Are the motorised heads on a Honeywell easy to swap? Many thanks

 

[CBW]

Why is it time to fir the Drayton? Honeywell heads should be easy enough, but depends on whether it’s an old one, if it is, it requires a partial drain down.

 

[oilhead]

As it's not fitted, leave it where it is and use a Honeywell. Heads are easily changed, and they're much more reliable.

 

[matty_hunt]

The current fitted drayton valve is sticking. It Burnt the motor last year and has just burnt out the replacement head last week. The valve doesn't move freely by hand so going to replace it. If I went the Honeywell option, is the brassware the same length for a direct replacement, electrical wiring same colours? Just watched youtube vid that said swap like for like. I don't want to fit my drayton valve if its not going to seal properly, but without seeing a brand new one I don't know how that rubber gate should look. Thanks

 

[polesapart]

Yes, all same same.

 

[matty_hunt]

Thank you for the replies. I went with a Honeywell in the end though even with the ball, it doesn't seal the pipes as tight as I expected. Maybe with the water pressure its different. Cheers