Changing a custom manifold with Nelson valves to Rainbird or Hunter

jnismo

New Member

Posts: 6

Monday, July 2nd 2012, 11:21am

Changing a custom manifold with Nelson valves to Rainbird or Hunter

I have an eight year old Nelson irrigation system with six zones. One of the valves started leaking last summer. It would be nice to screw out that valve and replace it with a new one but it appears that the irrigation company, who installed the manifold/valve assembly, glued them in and placed each valve very close together. If I cut the manifold out, can I mix the Nelson controller with Rainbird/Hunter valves and manifold kit?

jnismo has attached the following file:

Irrigation_Mnifold_Valves.jpg (19.83 kB - 16 times downloaded - Last download: Oct 19th 2013, 1:37am)

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GatorGuy

Moderator

Posts: 458

Monday, July 2nd 2012, 11:37am

Yes, you can mix.
Are you sure you need to cut it out?
If it's just a bad diaphragm you can probably rebuild without any trouble.
If the body and pipe aren't cracked you should be ok.

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mrfixit

Moderator

Posts: 1,510

Location: USA

Monday, July 2nd 2012, 12:21pm

If you can't fix the valve as Gator suggested you can still unscrew the valves.
Take the bonnet off first and there will be room.

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jnismo

New Member

Posts: 6

Monday, July 2nd 2012, 12:30pm

Changing a custom manifold with Nelson valves to Rainbird or Hunter

Thanks GatorGuy, It's good to know that I can mix if needed. I do plan to start with the diaphragm first and then the solenoid. Nelson part aren't as readily availiable as Hunter or Rainbird and it's good for me to be able to do some of the repairs myself. If the valve body needs to be replaced, can you tell from the picture I attached if their is enough clearance between valves to spin off?

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GatorGuy

Moderator

Posts: 458

Monday, July 2nd 2012, 1:04pm

I have horrible luck trying to spin valves off after they have been on a while.
Just looking at your picture I don't think so.

However, mrfixit says there will be room.
I'd say he has more experience than I.
Definitely taught me a few things.
Might be worth trying.

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jnismo

New Member

Posts: 6

Monday, July 2nd 2012, 2:00pm

Changing a custom manifold with Nelson valves to Rainbird or Hunter

Thank you both for your advice. I'll try these options before cutting the hole manifold out.

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mrfixit

Moderator

Posts: 1,510

Location: USA

Monday, July 2nd 2012, 5:09pm

If you find you can't unscrew the valve, I still think you can, you can alway just cut the valve in half with a saw.
Cut it just past the fitting at the manifold then unscrew the left over piece.
You wont have to do any rebuilding of the manifold that way.