Speakman 2 valve installation

[Jroberts]

Hello all,

I am replacing a faulty Speakman 2-valve bathtub faucet. I have it installed, and it seems to work BUT I'm afraid that I don't quite have it right. Specifically, it seems like the more I tighten the stem replacement into the body, the less travel that the stem has. In other words, if I tighten the stem all the way down, like I would a Pfister stem, the knobs only turn a couple of times before they are all the way on or off. If I leave it looser, then the knobs can turn more, but I feel like that is asking for trouble. Is there a trick or have I done something completely wrong? Thanks! Here's the old stem.

 

[Jroberts]

FWIW, I called Noel's Plumbing in Cincinnati, and they told me that with this type of stem you just snug it down, but do not tighten it too much. I guess there is some judgement required, and no exact answer.