How To Videos for Softener Repairs
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How To Videos for Softener Repairs

440 Timer Assembly Operation

How the 440 ( 440i ) Timer Assembly is set and operates.
The Autotrol 440iHV is the current version of the original 1550tc ( time clock ) used on Autotrol 155, 168, 255, and other

Operation of the Autotrol 440 Timer Assembly

Posted by Andrew Cross at 7/27/2008 11:19 PM | View Comments (1) | Add Comment

The Autotrol K-5 upper valve body

You can replace your old Autotrol 155 ( 1550-TC ) water softener upper body and get a new complete 440i Timer with this module. No plumbing required.
The upper valve body separates by removing one screw
 and the red locking bar ( sliding it out ).

Installing the Autotrol 255 Upper Valve Module upgrade with 440iHV Timer Assembly.

Posted by Andrew Cross at 7/26/2008 11:33 PM | View Comments (3) | Add Comment

Checking Injector & Screen Fleck 5600

Checking and Cleaning of the Fleck 5600 Injector and Injector Screen is simple. With water turned off ( or valve on by pass ), you can remove the two screws holding the Injector Cover ( be sure to advance Valve control to Backwash to relief any water pressure still in the tank.

Checking and Cleaning the Injector and Screen Fleck 5600 Valve.

Posted by Andrew Cross at 7/26/2008 11:09 PM | View Comments (1) | Add Comment

Repair Leaking By Pass - Replacing Seal Gasket 11726

PN 11726, Seal For Fleck Metal By Pass Valves.
Older versions were Brass, or Nickel Plated Brass.
Newer versions are Stainless Steel.
This Seal Gasket works with all versions and both 3/4" and 1" sizes.
The common LEAK problem can be easily fixed by replacing this Seal Gasket.
You have four bolts on top and four bolts on the bottom of your By Pass which hold this Seal in place.
Plan on 15 minutes to replace this part.
How to replace By Pass Seal Fleck part number 11726

Posted by Andrew Cross at 7/20/2008 11:44 PM | Add Comment

Setting Fleck Econominder Program Wheel Gallons Position

How To Move Program Wheel To Set Gallons:

1 ) The "locking" teeth are under the part that says ( x100 ), so this is the critical area that must lift.
2 ) It is VERY HELPFUL ( maybe NECESSARY ) if you hold the Black Gear "down" while pulling up on the Clear portion.
3 ) Turn the Clear Portion counter clockwise, and Black Gear Clockwise
4 ) Line up "white" dot with the gallon setting you've computed.
How To Move Program Wheel To Set Gallons

Posted by Andrew Cross at 7/20/2008 9:51 PM | Add Comment

Checking the Operation of the Fleck 3/4" Meter Cover

The "meter cover", part # 14038 can be the reason your Fleck Econominder is not regenerating automatically. Once you have determined the timer motor is functioning properly, the meter is the next part to check.
 1) Is the cable securely connected at the valve head side? This connection is inside the back of the timer control head.
 2) With the valve in By Pass or the water off, remove the meter cover. Four screws hold it in place. Note how it is installed so you can replace it the same way it came out. 
You need to check for debris or build up around the impeller, 
 part # 13509 ( looks like a paddle wheel ) in the meter body.
 3) With the cable disconnected from the meter cover, 
does the cable move the program wheel ( the dial on the front of your timer head ) freely by hand? 
 4) The way to test the meter cover portion, is to remove it. With the cable connected to the meter cover, turn the cable with your hand. You should be able to cause the white gears inside the meter cover to spin ( looking from the underside of the meter cover ) . They should continue to spin for a second after you stop twisting the cable by hand. If it is very very hard to move, or stops as soon as you stop applying pressure, then you need a new meter cover. 
NOTE: When reinstalling the meter cover make sure you put it back on right. There is a "dimple" near the center cable connection that should be pointing towards the outlet side of your valve. This is to the left if you are standing in front of the valve.

Checking the Fleck Meter Cover ( PN 14038 )Operation on the Fleck 5600 Valve.

Posted by Andrew Cross at 6/29/2008 6:45 PM | View Comments (1) | Add Comment

Replacing Fleck 5600 Main Piston, Seals & Spacers, and Brine Valve

Rebuilding the Fleck 5600,
Stuck Valve

It is very common for the main and brine pistons of the Fleck 5600 to need replacement after 5 - 10 years of use. The valve will get stuck trying to complete a regeneration cycle. Very often this occurs at the beginning of the "brine rinse" cycle. The timer motor may stop at this point also. The motors are made to stop instead of forcing the valve ( which would result in gear damage ).

The solution is to replace the main piston ( # 60102-00 for water softeners ) and the brine valve piston assembly ( # 60032 ). If the valve is on a chlorinated water source or over 10 years old, it is recommended to replace the main piston seals ( # 60125 ) at the same time.
On rare occasions the timer motor may also need to be replaced. But try the pistons replacement first, this usually does the trick. 
( Pistons & Seals Set = 60102-00, 60125, 60032 as part # 56PSkit )

Replacing the Main & Brine Valve Pistons and Seals is easy.

  1. Put valve on By Pass, or turn water off

  2. Manually put the valve in "backwash" to relief pressure

  3. Remove the screw in the center of the main piston and the 2 on either side of it

  4. Slide the Power head forward and up to remove

  5. Remove the 3 screws holding the metal plate to the valve body

  6. Pull out both piston assemblies and the main piston seals & spacers.

  7. Put new seals & spacers in place and insert new piston assemblies.

  8.  Reassemble. No special alignment is required.

5600 Rebuild Kit Pistons and Seals 3456PSKIT 5600 Rebuild Kit Pistons and Seals - 3456PSKIT
Rebuild Kit Fleck 5600, Our 56PSKit includes Main Piston Assembly 60102-00,Seals and Spacers 60125, Brine Valve Piston 60032     View DetailsReplacing Fleck 5600 Main & Brine Valve Pistons and Seals made easy. ( Pistons & Seals Set = 60102-00, 60125, 60032 = 3456PSkit )

Posted by Andrew Cross at 6/28/2008 11:56 PM | View Comments (16) | Add Comment

Replacing the Timer Motor ( 18743-1 ) on Fleck 5600 Valve

Replacing the Timer Motor on the Fleck 5600 Valve is very simple. Two wires and a couple of screws is all that is involved. No alignment or special installation techniques required. Click on the Video Link to see just how easy it is to change the motor yourself.

How To Video showing a Fleck 5600 Timer Motor being replaced.

Posted by Andrew Cross at 6/18/2008 9:07 PM | View Comments (9) | Add Comment
Copyright 2008 by Andrew G. Cross, Softenerparts.com