Microphor LF 220 water solenoid valve leaks

[deandec]

The Toilet: Microphor LF220 Electric

The Problem: The Microphor Solenoid Valve #05010 continually leaks with water pressure to the toilet turned on.



It leaks at one of the four screws that holds the valve diaphragm stuff together.

I tried using plumbing lube for pool equipment to seal the surfaces to no avail.

The little holes in the diaphragm are open and aligned.

The entire assembly has been cleaned and wiped.

The toilet works great except for this flow of water in the wrong place.

I have found no such solenoid for sale on the web so far.

Other than replacing this 23 year old toilet, does anyone have words of wisdom that will help me conquer this beast?

[deandec]

This is a plastic, 12v, 1/2" water connection solenoid arrangement.

The incoming water line is a standard 1/2" connector on the bottom of the old connector body.

The outgoing water exit is compression fit into the Vacuum thingy using smooth plastic with an O ring at a 90 degree angle to the water line attachment.

I assume it is normally closed and opens when the electric flush valve is triggered.

Perhaps the solution is to remove the old valve core and solenoid and seal the body of the old fixture body tight to avoid future leaks. Then fastening a new solenoid with 1/2" inlet and outlet to the inlet of the old body to make the old compression connection still functional.

Supporting the new solenoid body could be a challenge as the old was just hanging from two screws in a metal plate and bouncing down the road.

[deandec]

So, over a wee dram of Laphroaig I reasoned that there are three main components to a Solenoid Controlled water shutoff valve.

A water tight seal in the shut off cylinder with no tears or dirt in the plug.

A spring that firmly pushes the plug to the wall to seal off water flow.

or maybe A solenoid that pushes the plug to the wall firmly.


So, I replaced the 23 year old spring in the cylinder with one from a ballpoint pen.

Nope. It was much stronger than the original spring but water now dripped from the center of the valve with water pressure present and no solenoid attached.

Tomorrow's another day.....

[Rsponsford]

Call Sue at Mullaney & Associates *(856) 596-1299‬. They are the OEM and exceptionally helpful and still have all the parts.

[mike brez]

Originally Posted by Rsponsford

Call Sue at Mullaney & Associates *(856) 596-1299‬. They are the OEM and exceptionally helpful and still have all the parts.

X2.....I'm sure you have done all this but here is a parts and cleaning diagram http://edmullaney.com/Manuals/24155_...or_to_2005.pdf

[deandec]

Russ and Mike, thank you for the reference to Sue at Mullaney.

I will call her on Monday to see if they have the valve available.

That would be too easy of a solution. I always seem to make the solution too complicated.

Perhaps one could assemble a new valve and vacuum breaker from the many offerings of components on the internet and keep the toilet in service.

Unfortunately, the Microphor components appear to be made to specification so they fit together neatly in the toilet for longevity.

[Rsponsford]

Originally Posted by deandec

Russ and Mike, thank you for the reference to Sue at Mullaney.



I will call her on Monday to see if they have the valve available.



That would be too easy of a solution. I always seem to make the solution too complicated.



Perhaps one could assemble a new valve and vacuum breaker from the many offerings of components on the internet and keep the toilet in service.



Unfortunately, the Microphor components appear to be made to specification so they fit together neatly in the toilet for longevity.

In my opinion this is one of those cases where you will be better off sticking with OEM parts. You are correct that the components are specifically designed for their product.

[mike brez]

I have spent a few hundred with them on my toilet.
This toilet works like a Swiss watch and will continue to use them and keep this toilet as long as possible.

[Rsponsford]

Originally Posted by mike brez

I have spent a few hundred with them on my toilet.

This toilet works like a Swiss watch and will continue to use them and keep this toilet as long as possible.

X2......

[deandec]

Well, I found the solenoid valve available at Mullaney and Associates in their products web page.

They want $122.50 plus shipping including a new solenoid.

I will call to see if they can sell only the valve since my solenoid seems to be functional.

That Goyen Solenoid is pricey all by itself.......

[deandec]

So I ordered the entire gizmo. $141 delivered this coming Friday.

Thank you Russ and Mike for the reference.

The part was listed on their products web page. It took a bit for me to recognize the valve and then later the repair kit which I elected not to buy.