Faucet Stem replacement has washer that makes it too tight

[ling]

Hi All,

I have a leaky faucet for which I have obtained a replacement 1/4 turn stem.


When I put this replacement into the faucet with the lower washer in place, it wont fit - it sticks out a short distance. When I remove the lower washer, it goes in pretty easily. The old stem has a washer that is so old it is "flattened" onto the stem and hence had no problem fitting.

What should I do in order to get the replacement stem with the washer to fit into the faucet?

Thanks.

 

[WorthFlorida]

As long it is an exact replacement, use a dab of silicone grease and spread it over the o-ring, it then should slide in. Since the original one looks flatten out then it probably means it's a tight fit to begin with.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[ling]

Thanks. I will try the silicon grease.

 

[Reach4]

Thanks. I will try the silicon grease.

Maybe also very lightly grease the inside where the o-ring will slide.

I usually wear a nitrile glove when spreading silicone grease, just to make hand cleaning easy.