Question: Modding a sprinkler valve

[carlbelcher]

I'm not going to flame you this time...

Here check out my No Drill Sprinkler Valve Mod it's pretty easy to follow.

I didn't flame you because at least you tried to find a topic related to the question that you are asking.

[POS]

Click here. This is a tutorial video on how to mod a valve.

Check out this as well, many tutorial vids.

[killagorrila99]

HOLD ON! I just found this, he said the gun is extremly powerfull, that means that this modification works!

http://www.spudfiles.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2122&

[sv490665]

BTW everyone, if you have an OSH (Orchard Supply Hardware) store near you see if they have 1" Water Champ In-line Valves by Champion Irrigation Products. Around here they go for $19.99, i just used one on my first pneumatic and i must say i really am happy with the performance. Super easy to modify too, just don't go in too deep when you thread it for your airgun or whatever fitting you put in there cuz there's a bigger sized threading deeper in it. Otherwise holds up real well and it's rated to 150 psi! Woohoo!

[zerodivide]

I followed the instructions from the video except for replacing the solenoid. And instead of the usual blowgun, a 3 way pushbutton control valve (from McMasters) with a 1/8" NPT connect was used. One thing I noticed, there is nearly a second of delay from firing. And it doesn't seem much louder or stronger than using electric. Does the length of hose have anything to do with it? It seems airtight enough, even expoxied the barb fitting to be sure.

[FreakyShotGlass]

Make the hose shorter and it will work better, also, what is the flow like on those 3-ways from McMaster, if it isn't very good I would reccomend either a blowgun or a ball valve.

[zerodivide]

Not sure about the flow. The catalog didn't have any specs. Good suggestion with the ball valve. My rig has one as a safety, if the push button valve is removed that would vent directly to atmosphere with 1/4" instead of 1/8". But aren't most blowguns 1/8" anyway?

[FreakyShotGlass]

I get 1/4" blowguns in the form of dust blowers from a compressor. Try cutting the hose first and then if it still opens slowly remove the 3-way and try using just the ball valve.

[zerodivide]

Silly me, I forgot to put back the spring! It was causing the valve to fire inconsistently, sometimes very strong sometimes weak. Its a very noticable difference now.