bathtub faucet turns on by itself

[Sproksch]

Hello!
I had a stem leak on the hot water stem of my American Standard bathtub valve. So I replaced the stem (and stem seat) with a brand new one (part 9C-23H/C), but the stem leak was still there. I took the stem out and put it back in a few times trying to figure out what the problem was. But now the stem leak is the least of my problems because now I can’t get the hot water to stay off – when I close the valve and let go of the knob, the knob turns itself back on like its spring-loaded or something. I really don’t know what to do – everything on the stem looks ok, yet this thing will not stay closed. In all my screwing around could I have damaged the stem and that is what is causing this? I really appreciate any help – I’ve had to turn off the hot water to the house until I figure this out. Maybe I just need to get another new stem?

Thanks!
Steve

 

[Jadnashua]

Dose this model have packing for the stem nut? If so, you might need to replace the packing, or tighten it down a bit more. Do you know what your water pressure is?

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Redwood]

The packing is too tight so it is turning the stem back.

You want it to be just tight enough that it doesn't leak.

 

[Sproksch]

Thanks to everyone for advice! I loosened the packing and then re-tightened until it was just past finger tight, but the stem still wouldn't stay closed. I went out and got a new stem (the old lady was getting impatient) and that seems to have worked. I'm not sure how I messed up that other stem; maybe I installed it initially with the stem in the off position which I would guess could have slightly deformed the packing as I tightened it. Oh well, problem solved for now...

thanks again!
Steve