lets talk O rings

[123hotchef]

ok so I have a set of O rings big selection of sizes you all know the set probably case opens out.

Any way the shower ha been playing up for a while now getting progressively worse so tonight I stripped it down and found one O ring in bits and the others well worn. 3 are the same size one is bigger but can I get a match in my set NO not a chance.

So shall I try another supplier or is it best to find a spares pack from the shower manufacturer which will probably cost a fortune.

How are the O rings sized? mine just have R1 up to R whatever it is

 

[cocker]

Get more o-rings , they'll always "come in "

 

[dobbslc]

I think some are metric and others imperial.
Have a look on eBay for the size you need.
Nitrile is a good material that lasts ages, if you can't find the diameter you need you can cut them and super glue back together.

 

[8ob]

The O ring kit in the workshop just has the various diameter rubber and a tube of superglue, just trim to length , one spot of glue and join the ends. These hold up in hydraulics and automotive applications so should be ok for the job you are doing. Trim down one of the bigger ones and try it or buy a kit like ours http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/O-RING-GA...GAIN-MAKE-YOUR-OWN-GASKET-SEALS-/130394316999

Bob

 

[Mee]

Aos 8ob, get a kit and make your own.

 

[123hotchef]

hum not sure that kit will work the o rings are on the diverter valve it is a shower with 2 heads the mrs has to use both heads ever time she showers you know so I dont think the super glued rings will hold up that long. Every time the diverter is moved the o rings are dragged about 30mm along to seal the releavant outlet

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

@123hotchef
drop me a PM and I will see what I got.
I have a selection metric and imperial.
Plus a method you can use to re size.

 

[123hotchef]

pmed,

just looked on the manual the shower is nearly 4 years old but has a 10 year warenty I wonder if they will cover the O rings! worth a call

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

what have you got to loose?

 

[123hotchef]

thats the first job tomorrow

 

[dobbslc]

hum not sure that kit will work the o rings are on the diverter valve it is a shower with 2 heads the mrs has to use both heads ever time she showers you know so I dont think the super glued rings will hold up that long. Every time the diverter is moved the o rings are dragged about 30mm along to seal the releavant outlet

Red rubber grease.
For the O ring not the missus!
But then again.....

 

[123hotchef]

ha ha i have proper plumbers grease for that,

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

ha ha i have proper plumbers grease for that,

Red rubber grease.
For the O ring not the missus!
But then again.....

you need medication for that.

 

[dobbslc]

Is this good enough?

 

[123hotchef]

perfect nice brew i like that one

 

[the snooper]

just go to a bearing stockist our local one stocks them, last time I went for one they just gave me it, wouldn't take any cash

 

[Bill Edwards]

Bearing/seal type supplier. There are metric and imperial O rings plus very different sections (thickness) for each size. The standard kits such as you have carry the most common ones which do well over 90% of jobs in my experience but there are times when you require a different thickness.

O ring kits where you make it yourself are only recommended for static applications.

 

[Nick67GT]

There's 2 easy ways to size up an O ring for replacement:

1) Use the remaining pieces to determine the cross section and reassemble on a flat surface to approximate the outside diameter. Look at both metric and imperial tables for nearest fit. This method carries most risk of error.

2) Measure the groove diameter and width and consult tables again. You should be able to size replacements exactly. This assumes you can access the groove OK.

• Silicon grease is the best for lubricating in these type of dynamic applications.
• Fleabay sellers will supply small packs for a couple of pounds.
• Nitrile is fine for this kind of application.

Concerning the measurement side of things, a snug (slight stretch) fit onto the groove o/d is critical, as is the sealing surface of the ring itself being proud so it seals OK within its housing.

 

[Nick67GT]

A picture is worth a thouand words: