In Search of Ball Valve Handles

[michaeld]

Our boat was built it Taiwan in 1985. She has two diesel tanks. There are two 3/8" ball valves for each tank for feed and return. Opening one set uses the port tank. Closing them and open the other set uses the starboard tank. The valves are perfectly fine, but one handle is missing, and another handle is damaged. I cannot identify the maker, although the back side of the handle is clearly stamped "Taiwan". The handles are a bit unique. Note the offset in the stop tang. I tried a replacement handle from Apollo, but it doesn't fit. Here are a couple photos. Anyone here have some good news to tell me?

[kenbo]

Those handles would be a fairly straightforward fabrication. Much easier in mild steel than SS.

[Manateeman]

Valves this size don’t exactly cost a fortune even in 316 stainless. Try eBay.
The manatee crew .

[GordMay]

Google is your friend:
➥ https://www.google.ca/search?source=...&bih=620&dpr=1

[tkeithlu]

A cheap set of pattern files solves a lot of "don't fit" problems. It just takes a bit of patience.

https://www.amazon.com/Hardened-Stre...s%2C242&sr=8-5

[tkeithlu]

For that matter, a small adjustable wrench would solve most of your problems.

[Boatyarddog]

Originally Posted by michaeld

Our boat was built it Taiwan in 1985. She has two diesel tanks. There are two 3/8" ball valves for each tank for feed and return. Opening one set uses the port tank. Closing them and open the other set uses the starboard tank. The valves are perfectly fine, but one handle is missing, and another handle is damaged. I cannot identify the maker, although the back side of the handle is clearly stamped "Taiwan". The handles are a bit unique. Note the offset in the stop tang. I tried a replacement handle from Apollo, but it doesn't fit. Here are a couple photos. Anyone here have some good news to tell me?

Have you tried new valves?
Remove the compression fittings that are screwed into the valve, and replace the valve complete with handles.
Tapers in the stem attachment is the way it's normally fabricated.
These look to be 1/2", tapered unions, just find 1/2"valves most hardware stores.
Boatyarddog

[yachtgemini]

I think they were made by Grand Deer in Taiwan, common on many of the boats of the 80s and 90s.

I don't know if they are still made but suspect it is going to be easier to fabricate or replace.

[yachtgemini]

https://local.infobel.tw/TW100247818...iung_city.html

Seek and thy shall find ... thanks google.

[CarinaPDX]

I had an old bronze 1-1/2" ball valve, US made, and was able to buy a stainless handle kit to replace the rusted handle. That was a bit more than $20. I bought a new valve on FleaBay for about double that, also with stainless handle. At some point it is just not worth chasing it down; if you can't find the part in a reasonable time then just buy new - they are simply not that expensive.

Greg

[Capt. Tom]

The ball valve handles that you need are available at most any commercial in your area plumbing supply or at NAPA. Also ,in your area Lewis marine supply has them.