Dear visitor, welcome to SPRINKLER TALK FORUM - You Got Questions, We've Got Answers. If this is your first visit here, please read the Help. It explains how this page works. You must be registered before you can use all the page's features. Please use the registration form, to register here or read more information about the registration process. If you are already registered, please login here.
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?
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.
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?
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.