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Retrofitting old Lawnlife control valve? Confused how it ever worked!

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brycenesbitt

New Member

Posts: 8

1

Friday, September 28th 2012, 1:04pm

Retrofitting old Lawnlife control valve? Confused how it ever worked!

:?: Dear wet experts;
My child's school has four of these valves, only one is still functional. In each case the solenoid is loose and can just be pulled up. I understand from this forum that Lawnlife was a knockoff brand.

I have a few questions
  • What do I buy in order to replace the actuator assembly, without replumbing the entire valve? Am I on the right track with the Buckner Superior 800 ? If so what's the difference between electric and extension?
  • Is there a way to turn this style of valve on manually?
  • How did the solenoid work? If that's a solenoid plunger pictured, it does not move nor does it look like it ever moved. Is there a more graphical guide than this ?

mrfixit

Moderator

Posts: 1,510

Location: USA

2

Friday, September 28th 2012, 1:51pm

Lawnlife is the the brand of the valve body. The actuator screwed into it is a Superior 800.
The thing you're calling the plunger is the solenoid post. It's stationary. The plunger is inside of it.
The solenoid you're pulling off is perfectly fine. It comes off like that.
The 800 is easy to rebuild for a pro. Just buy a rebuild kit. They'll cost between 7 and 12 bucks. Depends where you buy one.
Or you can by they whole actuator for 45 or so.
You can turn that valve on manually with the bleeder screw. It's the thing that looks like you can turn it with a screwdriver.
You might need parts for the front of the valve also. A new fiber washer and a new float washer. Or just buy a float kit.
Go to Hydroscape or Ewing Irrigation. Maybe even John Deere Irrigation. Depends where you live.

Wet_Boots

Supreme Member

Posts: 4,102

Location: Metro NYC

3

Friday, September 28th 2012, 6:34pm

A reliable convertor assembly is sold with the Lawn Genie name at numerous retail outlets.

brycenesbitt

New Member

Posts: 8

4

Friday, September 28th 2012, 8:56pm

Ah, got it, thanks.

However I can't get it to operate manually with the bleed screw. Water just sort of dribbles out and nothing dramatic happens. Can I get it to turn on by unscrewing the solenoid shaft?

Quoted from "mrfixit"

You can turn that valve on manually with the bleeder screw. It's the thing that looks like you can turn it with a screwdriver.

This post has been edited 1 times, last edit by "brycenesbitt" (Sep 28th 2012, 9:38pm)

mrfixit

Moderator

Posts: 1,510

Location: USA

5

Friday, September 28th 2012, 11:31pm

Open the bleeder screw farther. Take it out if need be but don't force it, the threads on the brass can strip. If it doesn't come on then either the water is shut off, the flow control is turned down or nut that holds the seat washer in place has come off.
You could try tapping on the valve with a hammer while the bleeder screw is open. Maybe the diaphragm is just old.
--
Maybe you can buy plastic valve adapter at the Home Depot. Orbit or Lawn Genie.
--
Irritrol makes a couple good plastic ones. You'll have to go to an Irrigation supply house for those.
--
Just don't buy any brass converter that's not Superior brand. The Rainbird and Orbit that look identical to the 800 have given me nothing but trouble with the diaphragms leaking.

mrfixit

Moderator

Posts: 1,510

Location: USA

6

Saturday, September 29th 2012, 4:14am

I looked a little closer at your picture. It's hard to tell but is there a new diaphragm in there? I can't tell if it's cracked or just wet. Maybe someone installed it incorrectly and it's blocking the ports.

mrfixit

Moderator

Posts: 1,510

Location: USA

7

Saturday, September 29th 2012, 1:48pm

Do you have a lot of experience with the Orbit valve adapter Boots?

mrfixit

Moderator

Posts: 1,510

Location: USA

8

Saturday, September 29th 2012, 9:39pm

Good I'm glad you agree. Your experience with the Orbit valve adapter is limited to pictures online and a couple of posts.
I've seen hundreds of them in service and they work just as well as the Lawn Genie if not better.

brycenesbitt

New Member

Posts: 8

9

Sunday, September 30th 2012, 6:02pm

Opening the bleed screw more resulted in the valve turning on. Thanks!

Wet_Boots

Supreme Member

Posts: 4,102

Location: Metro NYC

10

Sunday, September 30th 2012, 9:16pm

You can get some silicone grease at a home center, and keep the bleed screws from seizing up. Also, you could get some stainless steel "push nuts" to take the place of the lost plastic solenoid keepers.
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