Replacing friction washers

[TAPMAN]

In our day to day cleaning schedule, we replace faucet washers as needed. On occasion, when replacing the friction and ball washers, it is almost impossible to remove the tap marker without destroying the whole lever assembly and marker.Soaking it in cleaning solution sometime works but not always. Spaying with WD40 and letting it soak while cleaning the other faucets sometimes works, but not always. I know that beer and brass causes a reaction that can be like a chemical weld.Ocasionally have the problem with S/S levers as well, but not as often. Anybody have any solutions to this problem, other than what I am already doing? I started putting a little lube( Crisco type) on the stem before assembly, but that is not always practical. Thanx, Tapman

[Brianatkcdraft]

mornin tapman. have the same troubles at times. i have found that the hamfisted bartenders and sales reps take the faucet nut all the way down against the threaded lever cap . i put pair of pliers on the knurled part of faucet nut, and wrap a bar towel around product marker and use another set of pliers (vise grips)and turn them opposite ways. works 80-90-percent of the time. scub the hell out of stem and inner threads of product handle.wipe em dry, and put food grade grease on them . tighen down all the way, and back off 1/2 to 1turn , lock down faucet nut. hope it helps, imagine someone else might have a better idea. gotta roll, time to get on the route! cya-brianatkcdraft.

[TAPMAN]

Brian, thanks for the reply, that is a whole different problem. If they can turn them down tight against the lever cap, I can usually back them off enough. It's the other ones that haven't moved that are the problem. Tapman

[Brianatkcdraft]

evenin tapman, duh! i follow you now. dont really know,i have let them soak in really hot water till cool, and had some luck. usually the stem just snaps where it meets with the faucet valve.some days you eat the bear,some days the bear eats you! when in doubt, have them call the distributor.a weasaly way to do it,but sometimes my bag of tricks turns up empty. stay in touch!cya-brianatkcdraft.

[TAPMAN]

Morning Brian, problem is , when we break them, we gotta fix them. Legally, here in PA., if THEY break them, we gotta fix them (try telling that to the bar owner who doesn't want to pay for a service call, and the wholesaler who doesn't want to lose a faucet). Technically, the distributor can replace the tap marker and the keg coupler, nothing in between. That's in a perfect world. they all still do more than they should. I guess we keep trying and replace stuff as needed, call the the distributor for a new marker. Have a great day, Tapman

[Brianatkcdraft]

mornin tapman, it is what it is ! you just do your best and hope it pans out. gotta roll, the route calls. cya, brianatkcdraft.