5” gauge Sweet Pea. Leaking clack valve

[Bagnall]

Hi,

I bought a second hand Sweet Pea last year and it ran well for a year or so but now the clack valve on the side of the boiler is leaking. Slow drip when cold but becomes worse as pressure builds up. It’s just a ball bearing inside. I’ve taken the valve and the ball off and soaked them in vinegar overnight to get rid of the limescale but although it’s helped somewhat, the valve is still leaking.

Any ideas?

Mark

[TonyW]

Replace the stainless steel ball with one of these: https://www.maidstone-engineering.com/c ... ls-nitrile

[Bagnall]

Thanks Tony. I’ll give it a go.

Mark

[Scrat]

Get a few more balls.
After carefully cleaning the seat, check if it is even, remove any burrs, put a ball on it and give a light blow with a hammer to trim the edges.
Throw away that ball, put a new one in and it should do.
Works on my steamers.