Removing brass olive from shower solenoid valve

[ian_uk1975]

I needed to disconnect the CW water feed from the valve and, on re-assembly, it leaked. Can't get to the olive to bodge it with some PTFE tape, as the compression nut is in the way (the short plastic stub that forms the inlet of the solenoid valve doesn't allow much room for an olive and compression nut, so the nut cannot be slid-back to expose the olive).

The only way forwards I can see (apart from replacing the solenoid valve, of course) is to cut-off the compression nut with a cutting disc on a Dremel and then (very carefully) cut-off the olive.

Any other ideas?

 

[ianmcd]

will you be able to get one of these in ?

 

[CBW]

If it’s the end I’m thinking of, gentle tapping with a hammer and slotted screwdriver may help to remove it.

Edit: tap one side then other and keep alternating

 

[footprints]

Maybe a good splodge of LSX around the faulty olive before tightening the nut.
https://www.toolstation.com/fernox-..._7NpI32mfxMOMmZmFZHaBnKwE7LmMmb8aAgScEALw_wcB

 

[CBW]

Maybe a good splodge of LSX around the faulty olive before tightening the nut.
https://www.toolstation.com/fernox-..._7NpI32mfxMOMmZmFZHaBnKwE7LmMmb8aAgScEALw_wcB

This any good? Never used it, have used hawk white though

 

[footprints]

Far better than Hawk white (which is just weak putty more or less) a silicone based leak sealing product never without it in my bag.

 

[ian_uk1975]

will you be able to get one of these in ?

Picking one of those up tonight... my only concern is the olive might dig into the plastic as it gets pulled-off.

 

[ian_uk1975]

Maybe a good splodge of LSX around the faulty olive before tightening the nut.
https://www.toolstation.com/fernox-..._7NpI32mfxMOMmZmFZHaBnKwE7LmMmb8aAgScEALw_wcB

Yeah, someone else mentioned LSX to me (about an unrelated job). Will have to pick some up.

Only problem in this specific scenario is that I can't physically get to the olive since the compression nut is covering it and cannot be slide-back due to lack of room.

 

[CBW]

Picking one of those up tonight... my only concern is the olive might dig into the plastic as it gets pulled-off.

Think it just pulls it off, no digging in. If there's any distortion to the plastic then ptfe would be the way to go on this instance (unless ls-x could do it).

 

[ianmcd]

Picking one of those up tonight... my only concern is the olive might dig into the plastic as it gets pulled-off.

No it will be fine

 

[SandyLyon]

Plastic pipe manufacturers say not to use and type of jointing compounds, copper olive with PTFE tape if required.
Check if ok to use on plastic.

 

[Madrab]

Gas PTFE tape (and that isn't a bodge BTW), 2 wraps of it around the end of the pipe and then it'll push down around the olive when it's fitted into the fitting. It's the end that fits into the fitting that needs the help with the seal as there is no twisting force to shape the faces together properly when being re-used, the nut end that's being tightened down onto the olive should form a watertight seal when they twist together.

 

[footprints]

Never found LSX to affect any plastic it has come into contact with myself.

 

[SandyLyon]

Never found LSX to affect any plastic it has come into contact with myself.

I think it’s because plastic is an oil based product, some jointing compounds are oil based therefore could degrade the plastic pipe.

For the same reason they say not to use oil based paints if you paint the pipes.

 

[Mike2007]

Angle grinder removes most stuff