Help replacing stem valve assembly for washing machine

a12733861

Hi everyone! I'm looking for some advice on replacing an older stem valve for a washing machine hookup. House is 1970's build.

Here is what I'm working with (note: pictures below show new valves installed). On/off up top and the hookups down below:

Larger image: http://i.imgur.com/XItU2.jpg


Larger image: http://i.imgur.com/Y6m7N.jpg

Here are the details of the OLD valve (I think it's a Price Pfister 3204):

Larger image: http://i.imgur.com/qpjXg.jpg


Larger image: http://i.imgur.com/bvNEi.jpg

I've checked three local Plumbing supply houses and no one was able to match my existing valve. Below-left is the best that they could do (PF S10-375 132440 - note that the newer valves threads are a bit longer):

Larger image: http://i.imgur.com/kUj6T.jpg

The plumbing shop suggested doubling up on the washers to get closer to the original length. What I've done is triple the washers and screw the valve right in. I didn't use any teflon tape, pipe dope or grease.

Problem: With the main on and valves turned OFF I get one drip (#2 below) about every 20 minutes). With the valves turned ON I get major spraying all around the washers at position #1. I first hand tightened it, then continued slowly tightening to see if I could get the dripping to stop. I'm at a point now that I feel that I'm over-tightening it and I'm afraid of stripping the whole assembly. That's it.


Larger image: http://i.imgur.com/wCQOe.jpg

Any suggestions on what the problem might be or how to resolve it? Any ideas where I could get a better replacement for the original valve? I'd like one more attempt at it before calling in a plumber.

Thanks!

TarheelTerp

None of your images are coming through.
Pick one and *attach* it here (use the paperclip icon).

That said... fixing a 1970's anything is probably of questionable merit.
Maybe an old Chicago or T&S...

What condition is the valve SEAT in?
Is it replacable?

a12733861

I don't see a way to remove it; assuming one exists. It's hard to tell. I don't see anything that would allow its removal using a seat wrench. I'll try to snap a picture of it today.

TarheelTerp

It may be time to change these out.

ben's plumbing

well it looks like you are in for some plumbing 101....don"t waste time trying to repair ...its time to replace...ben

joecaption

http://plumbing.hardwarestore.com/51...ox-636540.aspx
Time for a change.

Javiles

2 – ¾ tees 2 - ¾ arresters 2 – ¾ hose bibs... first time I see fixture zone valves used in that application. Or as my colleague pointed out use the pre fab box

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a12733861

Thanks everyone! Good or bad I ended up teflon taping the connection and it seems to be holding up. I'll keep an eye on it for a few days and if it still leaks I'll try out the suggested pre fab box.

Thanks again...