Older (~1960?) 3 handle shower valve replacement help needed

[TristanP]

1961 construction, bought in '08, not sure if this is original plumbing. Center mixing valve is leaking both out front into tub and out back into wall only when lever is rotated up to activate the shower.

I've removed the philips screw from the front. The outer threaded sleeve appears to only hold the escutcheon in place and slides freely in place now. The vertical handle part doesn't budge - should it? I assume it should to then pull the threaded part off to free the escutcheon. Or maybe the entire stem should be rotated CCW?

Once that part is free, how do I identify the valve/assembly to replace it? TY in advance for any help.

 

[Breplum]

handles come off. We have faucet handle puller tools that work like bearing pullers.
Tightening the topmost "gland" packing nut usually fixes leaks but we typically apply waterproof plumber's grease before retightening bc tightening makes the handle harder to turn.
Valve stem ID is a search or post with length being important. Whether anyone does the search for you is anyone's guess. I don't do the search unless I'm bored to tears.
I doubt you need a valve stem.
Barry E. Walter Sr. Company - Home
various other valve stem id sites, Brasscraft, Danco

 

[Sponsor]

 

[TristanP]

Is the handle held on by the philips screw? Do I need to just pull or rotate/wiggle? Would something like a penetrating oil help loosen the corrosion?

 

[Bannerman]

Is the handle held on by the philips screw? Do I need to just pull or rotate/wiggle?

Once the Phillips screw is removed, use a faucet handle puller tool to pull the handle straight out from the valve stem.

 

[Breplum]

penetrating oils don't help

 

[TristanP]

Puller worked great. Alright, so is this now just a vice-grips-and-pull situation?

 

[Breplum]

You removed the packing nut, which doesn’t help.
The big hex has to be unscrewed with the water, turned off elsewhere. You will also need waterproof plumbers grease.

 

[TristanP]

Bought a shower valve socket set but I cannot get that large hex nut to move. Would some heat help budge it?

 

[TJRAD]

twist the stem to the open position , then use the socket to unscrew.

 

[TristanP]

I can't get it to move in either valve position. I assume CCW to loosen?

 

[Reach4]

I can't get it to move in either valve position. I assume CCW to loosen?

You figured out which way to twist the stem, I presume.

CCW. So how are you applying the torque to turn the wrench? Are you using the piece that came with the wrench set? Instead try something longer, like a long Philips screwdriver that barely fits thru the holes.

You need more torque. Can you use a big wrench or big pliers on the outside of the wrench to provide more torque that you can combine with that screwdriver?