Running American Standard toilet

[JerRob]

RE: American Standard 4049 toilet. A few days ago I noticed my toilet was running constantly. I talked with someone at the water company and was given some blue dye strips to put in the tank. I did so, and within a few minutes the blue dye was coming into the toilet bowl. The water company said that means the actuator diak is worn, allowing water to leak around it.

The float ball rod attaches to the top of the supply pipe intake valve. When the ball is lifted, the other end pushes down on the valve, shutting the water off. There is a screw if tightened all the way down, depresses the valve and the water stops running. I did this, but about an hour later, the tank was almost empty. This seems to indicate the water company spokesman is right.

A local hardware store has the part, but before I buy it, I'd like to know how the old part is removed. Does it snap off and on?

Also, when checking the actuator, my hands looked like I dipped them in black ink by the time I finished. What is this?

I've attached a photo of the actuator with a red arrow pointing to the disk.

 

[Terry]

The disc is mounted on a ball fitting. It will pull off, and the new one will stick back on the same way.
Black rubber will get all over your hands that way. Red is better.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[hj]

Two things can happen if you are not VERY careful while working on the tilt flush unit.
1. If you tilt it too far back, the "stop" will break off, ( it looks like it may have already happened), and the valve will NOT close when the water flows out of the tank, and,
2. If you pull the disc too hard, it will snap the ball off the end of the float and you will need a new tilt unit.

 

[Terry]

Two things can happen if you are not VERY careful while working on the tilt flush unit.
1. If you tilt it too far back, the "stop" will break off, ( it looks like it may have already happened), and the valve will NOT close when the water flows out of the tank, and,
2. If you pull the disc too hard, it will snap the ball off the end of the float and you will need a new tilt unit.

Thanks for the tips hj.
It's been a while since I worked on the tilt valve.

 

[JerRob]

Two things can happen if you are not VERY careful while working on the tilt flush unit.
1. If you tilt it too far back, the "stop" will break off, ( it looks like it may have already happened), and the valve will NOT close when the water flows out of the tank, and,
2. If you pull the disc too hard, it will snap the ball off the end of the float and you will need a new tilt unit.

 

[JerRob]

You said the "stop" could break off. Where is the stop? I just flushed the toilet and when the water drained out, the valve closed ok. Does that mean the "stop" isn't broken?

What is the best way to remove the disk without breaking anything?

Thanks.

 

[Terry]

What is the best way to remove the disk without breaking anything?

Thanks.

Move slow and easy. It should be okay.