Installation, Operation, &

Maintenance Manual

Light and Medium Duty

Sluice Gates

Models 1001C and 101C Light Duty

Model 20-10C Medium Duty

DO NOT DISASSEMBLE GATE FOR INSTALLATION

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword.............................................................................................. 4
Environmental Conditions .................................................................... 5
Things To Do and Not Do ................................................................. 5-6
Installation Instructions ..................................................................... 6-7
Installation by Attaching to Pipe ....................................................... 6
Installation of Flat Back .................................................................... 6
Installation on Corrugated Pipe ........................................................ 6
Installation to Concrete Pipe with Taper Setting Collar .................... 7
Operation ............................................................................................. 7
Actuators.............................................................................................. 7
Maintenance ................................................................................... 8-11
Troubleshooting ................................................................................. 11

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 FOREWORD
The purpose of this Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Manual is to provide information on the correct
procedures for installation, adjustment, operation and maintenance of Fresno Valves’ Light and Medium Duty
Sluice Gates and their component parts.

Gate Models covered by this Manual follow:

• Model 1001C and Model 101C Light Duty, round opening, flat and spigot back.
• Model 20-10C Medium Duty, round opening, flat and spigot back

Installation Note
These gate models can be easily warped during installation by rough handling and storage. Follow the installation
instruction carefully for optimum gate performance. Do not disassemble gate for installtion.

The gate, lift and accessories were accurately machined, assembled, adjusted and inspected before leaving the
Fresno Valves factory. For best results, read and follow the applicable parts of this Manual carefully. These gate
models have only one wedge per side. It is possible for the wedges to shift during shipment or for the gate to open
slightly, causing the seating faces to open.

Warranty Note
Installation and/or operation of the gate lift and stem without proper lubrication will void the equipment warranty.
Thorough cleaning of the stem, seating faces, and wedging surfaces is required before gate operation. Details are
described in the appropriate sections of this manual.

Notes
Spare Parts - Fresno Valves does not recommend the stocking of spare parts. Replacement parts are readily
available for worn or broken parts. Contact Fresno Valves or our representative in your area.

Special Tools - Special tools are not required to operate and/or maintain the equipment supplied by Fresno Valves
on this project.

Price List - Prices for individual parts and/or assemblies may be obtained from the Fresno Valves at the time that
they are needed.

Disassembly - Fresno Valves does not recommend the disassembly/reassembly of any of the equipment.

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LIGHT AND MEDIUM DUTY SLUICE GATES

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Certain environmental conditions can be hazardous to water control gates. Exercise caution when environmental conditions may
cause design loads to be exceeded.

Ice Buildup
Icing can add tremendous loads to the opening and closing forces encountered by the gate operator and stem. If the handwheel
or handcrank is forced to operate beyond the design limits of the gearbox or stem, damage can occur. De-ice gates before
operation.

Large Debris
Logs, rocks, or other large debris may be in the opening as a gate is closed. Damage to the slide, seating faces, or stem can o
ccur.
Remove large debris before operation.

Installation Debris
Excess concrete or grout from gate installation can damage gate seating and sealing faces and stem. Ensure that seating faces,
seals, wedges, and stem are free of concrete and grout before operation. Remove all concrete and grout from gate before
operation.

Mud
Gates in certain applications may become buried in mud, especially with infrequently operated gates. The force required to open a
buried gate can exceed the design loads. Remove as much mud as possible before operating the gate.

Environmental conditions and frequency of operation determine how often maintenance should be performed. Proper maintenance
will add many years of service to the life of this Fresno Valves & Castings, Inc. product.

Things To Do and Not To Do During Installation of This Gate

To properly install this gate, Fresno Valves recommends that personnel study these instructions and installation drawings andollow
f
the installation directions carefully. This gate is precision machined, shop adjusted, quality checked, and designed for low leakage.
Attention must be given to proper storage, careful handling, and accurate location of embedded items for this gate to operate a s
designed.

Some DO’S and DON’TS to ensure proper gate installation.

DO - Read and follow the Installation instructions and drawings in this Manual.

DO - Carefully inspect the gates and accessories when received, before unloading trucks or cars. Report ALL shortages or
suspected damage by marking the Bill of Lading and Receiving Reports at this time. Latent shortages must be reported in writing
within 30 days of shipment.

DO - Store gates evenly on planks or timbers. Even the heaviest castings are subject to permanent warpage if unevenly blocked
during storage.

DO - Support full length of stems and protect threads during storage and handling.

DO - Accurately locate and brace embedded items during placement of concrete.

DO - Store automatic lifts (cylinders, electrical actuators) in dry storage or under cover until installation. These units are not
“weatherproof” until fully installed and functioning, and Fresno Valves guarantees these units only to the extent the manufacturer
guarantees them to Fresno Valves. Refer to the manufacturer’s storage instructions.

DO - Request your hydraulic or electrical subcontractor become familiar with the installation, adjustment and operating
instructions furnished for automatic lifts during approval submittal. Manufacturer’s assistance in setting and adjusting these
units is not included in the contract agreement unless speci f cally stated in our order acknowledgement. A purchase order is
required for f eld service to adjust and inspect the installation. Field service rates are available on request.

DO - Contact your Fresno Valves representative with questions regarding this gate. Fresno Valves and its related companies
have 100 years combined experience in the water control industry.

DON’T - Stack gates without heavy wood blocking between gates.

DON’T - Disassemble the gates for installation.

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 DON’T - Allow excess concrete to overlap gate thimble or frame.

DON’T - Tighten nuts for studs or anchors unevenly, or try to pull a gate frame tightly against an uneven wall surface. This, i n
most cases, will cause excessive leakage.

DON’T - Operate gates with concrete and debris on them.

DON’T - Operate gate stems dry (without grease).

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR

MODELS 101C AND 20-10C
Caution - These models are easily warped during installation. These instructions must be carefully followed for correct
gate installation.

This gate was accurately machined, assembled and inspected before it left the factory. Wedges and wedge blocks were adjusted
to make proper metal-to-metal contact. The space between the seating face was adjusted to less than four thou sandths (0.004)
of an inch. Since only one wedge per side is used on these models and they are relatively light, the seating faces may open up in
shipment. If these installation instructions are carefully followed, the gate will operate properly.

Instructions for installing gate attached to pipe

1. Set assembled gate with attached pipe in desired position.

2. The attached pipe may be connected to other pipe by means of band couplers or a concrete head wall may be poured around the
attached pipe section. CAUTION: Def ection or distortion of the attached pipe section from its original shape will cause warping
of the gate seat. Excess leakage will result. Bracing of the pipe section to maintain its original shape may be necessary. Afte r
bracing, check the seating faces to make sure that the seat casting has not been distorted.
3. After adjacent backf ll has been consolidated or concrete head wall has been poured, remove all interior bracing.
4. With the gate in the fully closed position and before placing in operation, check to see that the slide and seat make proper
contact
around the full circumference of the seating surfaces.

Instructions for installation of flat back gates (See Figure A)

1. Secure anchor bolts in position in the forms. For proper size, length, projection and spacing, see drawing or tables.
2. Pour Concrete.
3. Two nuts are provided with each anchor. Place one nut on each anchor
bolt and run it down to the end of the threaded section. Align anchors by
bending if required. Place completely assembled gate into position on
the anchors. Place second or front nut on each anchor.
4. Align gate in f nal desired position by bringing both nuts on all anchor
bolts in light, uniform contact with the gate.
5. Check seating faces with feeler gauge. If gate seating faces show an
excess opening at any point, adjust back and front nuts to bring the face
of the seat casting into proper contact with the seating face on the slide
by slight warping of the seat casting. Tighten front nuts uniformly.
6. Carefully grout gate in place.
7. After grout is set, check gate seating faces. Check for voids behind the
gate seat. Regrout if necessary.
Figure A
Installing Gate on Corrugated Pipe
General Installation Instructions
The end of the corrugated pipe should have angular (circular) corrugations for best results. Spiral (helical) corrugations may be
used; however, take special care to seal the pipe end to the spigot. The gate (spigot) can be attached to the steel pipe with r adial
bolts through the spigot ring and pipe wall. This is the preferred method.

Sealing the pipe end to the spigot can be accomplished by caulking or grouting the space between the spigot and pipe wall. Mastic
such as Sikaf ex-1A (polyurethane) can be used; however, large gaps cannot be f lled if head pressure is fairly high.

Procedure A - Radial Bolts and Plastic Sealant

1. Apply caulking or sealant in spigot (Figure B)
2. Align assembled gate over pipe end and push f rmly to compress the sealant.
3. Drill through the spigot ring holes and through the pipe wall. Install and tighten all bolts.

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Installation Note
Do not over-tighten bolts. Damage or distortion of the gate seat can occur.

4. Check seating face alignment and clearance. Open and re-close gate. Seating faces should match at the top and bottom. Seats and
wedges should make f rm contact. If not, loosen the bolts or capscrews holding the wedge to the frame and slide or drive the wedge block
up or down as required.

Installation Note
Slightly loosen wedge bolts, just enough to. allow wedge block
to be moved. Loosening too much will result in damage or
improperly adjusted gate.

Check seating face contact or clearance with a .004-inch

feeler gauge. If gaps of signi f cantly more than .004 inch
exist, the seat was distorted during installation. Correct
this situation by either remounting or loosening bolts and
moving the seat into contact with the cover (slide).

5. Apply generous bead of caulking completely around the

exterior joint between pipe and gate spigot. Figure B

Attaching Gate to Concrete Pipe with Taper Setting Collar (figure C)

The light gauge taper setting collar is used as a “form” for placing grout and as a means of locating a gate in the end of concrete pipe.
1. Place gate on pipe or opening inserting the taper collar until a snug f t is obtained or gate is stopped by the stucture or pipe.
2. Align gate in a vertical and horizontal plane and place rich grout around gate, making a heavy band sealing and attachingethcast
iron frame ring to the pipe. Grout is normally lapped over the frame f ange and smoothed in place with laying mitts or gloves.

NOTE: If desired, anchor bolts or reinforcing rod can be attached in the anchor bolt holes and placed in the grout band for
added strength.

3. After band has dried, check for cracks and repair as needed. Open gate and pack grout in void between collar and pipe.
4. Check gate for grout on seats or in slide grooves and clean as required

OPERATION
General Operation Information

Light and Medium Duty Sluice Gates are used to control f ow of or retain a volume
of water, eff uent, or other f uids. Typical applications include irrigation, f ood control,
low-head reservoirs, drainage systems, and many other applications that require
accurate control of liquid f ow.

The simplicity of a sluice gate makes it a popular choice when designingf ow controls.
From the basic hand-cranked manual model to the microprocessor-controlled,
fully integrated electric sluice gate, actuation consists of the basic open or closed
operation. An open gate allows f ow and a closed one does not.

Depending on size, most sluice gates can operate without error in diverse conditions.
Some extenuating circumstances may include large amounts of ice or other solids
that will obstruct the travel path of the gate. In most cases, when the obstruction is
removed, normal operation can be resumed without adjustment to the gate. Figure C
Sluice Gate Operation Procedures
The following sections cover the general operating procedures associated with two manual-operation systems (handwheel and
handcrank) Read and follow the operating procedures for the applicable system. If you have any questions concerning safe operation
of this Fresno Valves Light and Medium Duty Sluice Gate, contact Fresno Valves immediately.

ACTUATORS
HB Series Actuator (Manual Handwheel)

Opening - To open this sluice gate observe the direction of rotation noted on the handwheel. Turn in the direction of opening. If the ga te has
been closed for an extended period the gate may be dif f cult to “unseat.” If, after several turns of the wheel, the rotation becomes increasingly
diff cult, stop rotation when a moderate pressure is achieved. Allow the pressure in the stem to unseat the gate (a “POP” sound typ ically signals

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the gate has begun to travel. Continue to turn the hand wheel until the desired gate position has been achieved. Observe the relative, position of
the top of the stem in relation to the Mylar decal on the stem cover (if equipped.) When the top of the stem is equal to the OP
EN or 100% indicator
the gate is considered to be FULL open and should not be opened further.

Operation Note
Do not over-open the gate. Serious damage to the gate stem and sealing surfaces can result.
Closing - To close this sluice gate turn the handwheel in the direction opposite of the Open indicator until the stopnut on the stem hasmoderately
seated on the top of the lift. When the top of the stem is equal in height to the bottom/zero height indicator, the gate is con sidered to be FULL
CLOSED and should not be closed further. Should the gate or stop nut require adjustment, refer to the appropriate section of th e Installation,
Operation, and Maintenance Manual or call Fresno Valves before any adjustments are made.

Operation Note
Do not attempt to adjust the position of the stopnut to achieve additional closing stem travel. Serious damage to the gate stem and
sealing surfaces can result.

CPS Series Actuator (Manual Handcrank)

Opening - To open this sluice gate observe the direction of rotation noted on the lift housing. Crank in the direction of opening. Ifthe
gate has been closed for an extended period the gate may be diff cult to “unseat.” If, after several turns of the handcrank, the rotation
becomes increasingly diff cult stop rotation when a moderate pressure is achieved. Allow the pressure in the stem to unseat the gate
(a “POP” sound typically signals the gate has begun to travel. Continue to turn the handcrank until the desired gate position has been
achieved.

Operation Note
Do not over-open the gate. Serious damage to the gate stem and sealing surfaces can result.

Closing - To close this sluice gate turn the crank in the direction opposite of the Open indicator until the stopnut on the stem has
moderately seated on the top of the lift. After the gate has been closed as noted on the indicator, the gate is considered to be FULL
CLOSED. Then reverse the rotation of the crank and relieve the pressure on the stem and lift. Should the gate or actuator requi re
adjustment, refer to the appropriate section of the Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Manual or call Fresno Valves before any
adjustments are made.

Operation Note
Do not attempt to adjust the position of the stopnut to achieve additional closing stem travel. Serious damage to the gate stem and
sealing surfaces can result.

MAINTENANCE
Field Cleaning and Painting
Fresno Valves’ standard paint system on Light and Medium Duty Sluice Gates is commercial grade blast and Hi-build epoxy paint. It
does not require top coating. Should blast cleaning be needed to condition the gate for top coating, the gate should be fully closed
and any exposed metallic seating faces protected from blast and paint. Before painting, blow all grit off gate, particularly in and
around the seating faces. Do not remove any wedges or disassemble the gate except as described in the next paragraph.
Fresno Valves does not usually recommend removing the slide from the frame to apply f nish/top coats because of the risk of
damage to the seating faces during handling. If suf f cient reasons exist for removal of the slide, (e.g., badly deteriorated paint on
an old gate or a complete change of paint system that is incompatible with the existing paint) then completely disassemble and
thoroughly blast clean all surfaces to obtain a quality recoated product.

When disassembling the gate or gates, keep parts segregated and match-marked so parts are not mixed gate-to-gate because
interchangeability between gate parts is not always certain. Protect all seating surfaces on the slide and frame with duct or m asking
tape. Use special care when handling the slide and frame to avoid damage to the seating faces.

Blast clean and paint the frame and slide as required by the specif cations or the paint manufacturer’s recommendations. Do not paint
the contact faces of the wedges or metal seat. Remove maskingtape or other material used to protect machined faces. Clean allfaces
thoroughly and relubricate if applicable. Reinsert slides in the proper frame.

With the gate in the fully closed position, recheck maximum clearance between the seating faces with .004-inch thickness feeler
gauge. Readjust wedges, if required, per the instructions in this Manual.

Maintenance and Lubrication

Occasional adjustment, lubrication, and painting of Fresno Valves sluice gate components will be required. The frequency will
depend upon how often the gate is used, location, and operating conditions. Periodic inspection, adjusting, cleaning, and repainting
are recommended as conditions at the site permit.

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When excess leakage through the gate seating surfaces occurs or when the gate has been in the closed or opened position for long
periods of time without movement, the seating faces and wedging surfaces should be cleaned and greased and the wedges should
be readjusted per the instructions in this Manual.

Lift and Stem Maintenance

Lifts have been lubricated at the factory with a water-resistant grease designed to stay pliable and not dry out over long peri ods.
Periodic pressure greasing of ball bearing type lifts is recommended. For best results, turn the hand wheel or input shaft of geared
lifts three or four times and apply grease through each f tting to insure adequate lubrication at all interior parts. Greases such as
Conoco’s “All Purpose Superlube”, Texaco’s “Multi-Fax Heavy Duty No. 2”, or Shell Oil Company’s “Alvania No. 1” have been found
entirely satisfactory.Maintenance of the threaded operating portion of the gate stem is critical and should be performed as fre
quently
as the operating environment requires. Clean and grease the gate stem threads as required to maintain maximum operating
eff ciency.

Maintenance Note
Failure to maintain stem thread lubrication causes operating diff culties and premature failure of the lift nut and stem threads.

Recommended inspection frequency and procedures are as follows:

• Initial inspection - after 25 cycles of gate operation.
• Subsequent inspection - after 50 cycles of gate operation.
• Operational inspection - after each 100 cycles of gate operation or six months, whichever occurs f rst.

A “cycle” of gate operation is operation of the gate slide from closed to open to closed position. At each inspection, verify t he
following items:

• Inspect the stem threads and lift nut threads for wear and verify the trueness and dimension of the thread form.
• Check the amount of lubricant remaining and add if necessary.
• Relubricate if necessary - threads should be cleaned and relubricated with fresh lubricant.

More severe conditions or operating modes require a slightly different schedule of inspection and service. For example: Modulating
gates with electric motor operators may make position changes several times aday but seldom go full stroke. There is a portion of the
stem that gets a lot of use. These stems should be inspected at least weekly. The lubricant on the stem threads should be monit ored
closely. As the lubricant is depleted and becomes contaminated, it should be leaned away and replenished.

When excess dried grease or other foreign material is carried into the threads of the lift nut, extremely hard operation will r esult. If
serious binding occurs, the only way to correct it is to remove the threaded stem from the lift nut and clean the thread interi or. If this
foreign material is not cleaned from the interior threads of the lift nut, heavy pulls on the handcrank or seizure will result.

Stem threads may be cleaned with solvent, rags, and brushes. Run the gate open. While in the process of opening (running the st em
out above the lift nut), clean off the old grease. Inspect the threads for roughness. If the threads are rough, they may be f led and
polished. Be careful to keep f lings and grit out of the lift nut. Rough stem threads accelerate the wear of the lift nut threads.

Relubricate the stem threads by brushing or smearing grease onto/into the threads as the gate is closing (the stem is going into the
lift). This puts fresh lubricant into the lift nut and carries out the old contaminated grease. It is recommended that the contaminated
grease be cleaned from the stem as it exits underneath the lift where the stem is accessible from below. Of course, replenishrease g
on the underside stem.

The recommended stem thread lubricant is a mixture of “La Co Slic-Tite Paste” and Fiske Bros. “Lubriplate No. 630 AAA” in theatio r
of 24 ounces of paste per gallon of grease. “Slic-Tite Paste” is a pipe dope with Te f on f bers and is available from most plumbing
supply stores or from:

La Co Industries, Inc.
1201 Pratt Blvd.
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
(708) 956-7600

An equal alternate for La Co’s “Slic-Tite” is “Dayton Pipe Thread Sealant Paste with Te f on”, Stock Nos. 4X222 or 5X998, which is
available at W. W. Grainger Inc. stores in major cities nationwide.

Equivalent lubricants to Fiske Brothers’ “Lubriplate 630AAA” include:

Conoco’s “All Purpose Superlube”

Texaco’s “Multi Fak Heavy Duty No. 2”

9
 Shell Oil Company’s “Alvania No. 1”
Mobil’s “Mobilux EP2”
Exxon’s “Ronex MP”
Fiske Brothers’ “Lubriplate No. 630 AA”

A recommended lubricant for potable water service is a vegetable-based lubricant, “Lubriplate Super FML-2”.

Lifts may be furnished with optional “stem lubricator

f anges” to facilitate lubrication of stem threads with pressure greasing
equipment. The f anges are located either under the lift housing or incorporated into the aluminum stem cover housing.
To be effective, lubricant should be injected while the stem is moving through the lift.
Manual lifts have zerk-type f ttings for relubrication of the bearings and gears. These f ttings do not lubricate the stem threads
(except for he optional lubricator f ange or the lubricator in the stem cover adapter). Recommended greases for the lift bearings and
gears are any of the above lubricants without the Tef on paste.

Recommended service and maintenance of the electric motor l ifts is covered in the respective manufacturer’s maintenance
manual.

Exercise of infrequently operated lifts and gates is recommended. An annual exercise will ensure the gate is operable when need
ed
and the lubrication condition will be maintained.

Removal of the stem nuts for thread inspection of frequently modulated gates is recommended. This avoids “surprise” when the nut
threads have worn so thin they strip out and drop the gate. Replacement or spare nuts can be ordered from Fresno Valves. Spare
parts are usually not needed or recommended, because they are readily made on short notice by Fresno Valves. In those cases
where equipment operation or downtime is critical and the gate is operated extremely often, a spare lift nut may be wise to have on
hand.

Most electric operator nuts can be removed from either the top or the bottom of the operator without total disassembly of the
operator. See the electric motor operator maintenance manual.

Maintenance Note
Whenever the nut is removed and reinstalled in an electric operator, the position limit switches will need readjustment. This is also
true of lift assemblies that consist of an electric actuator attached to a gearbox lift.

Leakage
The most frequent cause of excess leakage through a newly installed Fresno Valves Light and Medium Duty Sluice Gate is improper
installation and/or failure to make f nal adjustments before the gate is put into operation. When you encounter this problem, f rst
verify that Fresno Valves’ installation instructions have been carefully followed and that f nal adjustment and greasing have been
accomplished. If not, then complete the applicable step-by-step procedures of adjusting and greasing as outlined in the appropriate
provided instructions.

Another important check is to ensure the sluice gates were not disassembled for installation. The cover of this Installation,peration,
O
and Maintenance Manual states “DO NOT DISASSEMBLE GATE FOR INSTALLATION”. This is repeated in the text of this manual
at several critical locations. Occasionally, we still f nd that gates are disassembled for easier handling, painting, etc.

Installation Note
When the sluice gate is disassembled for installation, all of the f ne adjustments that were made by Fresno Valves are lost. It is then
necessary for you to clean all of the contact faces, reinstall the slide, and adjust all wedging devices in strict accordance w ith our
instructions.

As pointed out above and in our installation instructions, the amount of leakage through the sluice gate is highly dependent up on
the quality of installation. On cast iron sluice gates, the gate seat, or frame is somewhat f exible and is easily pulled out of line if
incorrectly installed, resulting in leakage. The amount of leakage depends upon the def ection of the castings by improper tightening
of the nuts on the anchors.

To minimize leakage through sluice gates, installation must be precise. Our instructions
not only call for careful installation of gates, but also emphasize the importance off nal cleaning and lubrication of seating faces and
wedge contact surfaces before operating the gate. We also recommend a water-resistant grease be applied to all surfaces, which
allows proper seating of the gate in the last turn or two of the hand crank.

Example
When the slide is moved downward by as little as 1/64 of an inch, the wedges cause it to move toward the seating surface by .002
inch. This almost negligible horizontal movement can cause a considerable difference in the amount of leakage.

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Lift Nut Lubrication and Wear Checking
This Fresno Valves Manual contains lubrication recommendations for gate stems and lift nuts. Lift nut replacement is recommende d
when 50% of nut thread has worn away. Lift nut threads are likely to strip out when approximately 75% of the lift nut thread ha s
worn away. Stripping of lift nut threads renders the gate inoperable and can cause damage to the gate if it falls shut from an open
position.

Stainless steel stem threads usually experience no signi f cant wear or damage except when run dry (no lubricant) in which case,
the stem gets very hot and the nut material embeds into the stem threads.

Frequently operated gates should be routinely checked for nut wear by one of two methods;
(1) direct observation of nut threads
(2) indirectly observing free play or free rotation of lift nut
The direct method requires disassembly/removal of the lift nut and degreasing of the nut threads so that thread thickness can b e
measured or directly compared to the original thickness. This method is accurate and error-proof.

The indirect method is quick and does not require removal of the nut; only removal of excess grease so that the top of the lift
nut can
be observed. This method can give a false indication if reasonable care is not taken in performing the check. Some tools such as a
machinist dial indicator with a magnetic base is helpful in doing the test. The test determines how much the lift nut revolves before
the stem begins to move or the amount of “free play.”

Nut Free Play Procedure

1. Close the gate tightly so no weight is hanging on the stem. If the gate is an inverted gate (downward opening), block the gate so
that no weight is hanging on the stem.
2. Clean grease from the top of the nut suff ciently to see the nut and make a reference mark on it.
3. Attach a dial indicator or other device to detect the beginning of upward movement of the stem.
4. Work the handwheel to feel when the gate is closed and there is a slight compression in the stem.
5. With slight compression in the stem, make a reference mark on the top of the nut to align with a mark on the stationary housing.
Establish a zero point on the dial indicator for vertical stem movement.
6. Slowly turn the handwheel in the opening direction until the stem just begins to rise vertically. Note the amount of nut rotation in
terms of degrees or fraction of a revolution.
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 a few times until consistent results are obtained. Fresno Valves’ standard stem threading is rolled mod if ed
stub Acme, double lead (2 start thread). Free play for new nuts is 6-7°. 50% wear condition has 50-55° free play (approximately
1/8 revolution). This is the point where replacement is recommended. 75% wear has 70-75° free play (approximately 1/5
revolution) and is the point where stripping failure is imminent.

Troubleshooting Tips for Fresno Valves Sluice Gates

Leakage All around the Gate
Excess leakage all around the gate can indicate one or more problems. Ensure the gate is completely closed, if not close the ga te
completely. The head pressure may exceed the gate’s rating. If so reduce the head or install a gate of correct rating. The wedg es
may be improperly adjusted, if so readjust them according to the instructions in this Manual. Excessive leakage can also be caused
by dirty seating faces. In this case clean the seats or exercise the gate against head to scrape and f ush dirt.

Excessive Leakage at One Particular Location

Excess leakage occurring at one particular location indicates one wedge is improperly adjusted. Check between the tapered faceof
the wedge and the wedge block with .004-inch thickness gauge. If the gauge passes between these surfaces, readjust that wedge.
Even if the gauge cannot be passed between the tapered wedge faces, loosen the nut on the stud through the wedge and adjust
the wedge tighter.

If you are unable to correct the leakage by readjusting the wedge, it may be caused by foreign material between the gate seatin g
faces. Open the gate an inch or two. If a large piece of foreign material is found,f ush it out. If the leakage persists, foreign material
such as paint or grit may be on the seating faces. To correct this problem, dewater the gate completely, clean all seating faces and
wedge surfaces, and grease the faces.

Excessive Leakage along Top; Stem Block Pocket Located at or Near Top of Slide
Leakage is occurring at the center top of the gate only. With this slide conf guration, it is possible to push down on the stem so hard
that the stem block is pulling the gate slide from its seating faces at the top. Turn the handwheel, gear crank, or power actua ted
lift to relieve the compression on the stem and the excess force on the top of the slide. If the slide was being def ected, the excess
leakage will diminish or stop when the compression in the stem is relieved.

Maintenance Note
Do not raise the slide from its wedges. Actuate the lift only enough to allow the stem to relax.

To prevent the slide from de f ecting at the stem block, readjust the stop nut on manually operated lifts, or the torque and limit
switches on electrically actuated lifts.

11
Excessive Localized Leakage; Gate Installed on Concrete, Wedges Tight
This indicates the frame was warped from true f at plane by over-tightening of anchor bolts. Loosen the bolts in the area of the leak.
The frame will usually spring back. Check the seating face with a .004-inch gauge. Check the wedge adjustment. Shim as required
between the gate frame and wall. Retighten the bolts. Caulk or regrout to seal off the crack or gap between the frame and wall.

If the warp is severe, it may save time to completely remove the gate and reinstall the gate on new grout, or a bead of epoxy
or sealant such as Sika f ex 1-A. Be careful so that the gate is installed f at the second time. Review the proper installation and
adjustment instructions in this Manual.

Stem Bends when Gate Is Closed Hand-Operated Lifts

1. Ensure the stem guide collars are properly located to hold the stem in alignment. The bolts on the collars must be tightened so
the collar is not slipping on the guide bracket.
2. Ensure the stem guides are all located properly. If the spacing exceeds that shown on Fresno Valves’ installation drawings, the
stems may be def ecting before the gates are closed tight.
3. If stem guides are correctly located and collars are tight, then the load applied to the stem by the lift is in excess of that needed
to close the gate, or the load recommended for a particular stem size. Reset the stop nut to prevent an excess load from being
applied to the stem after the gate is closed.

Electrically Actuated Lifts

Check settings of bottom torque switch and limit switch. Stem bending during gate closure indicates both switches are set impro
perly.
The limit switch should cut off power before the stem bends.
Reset limit switches using instructions prepared by the manufacturer of the electrically actuated lift. First, set the limit switch to cut
off the power when the gate is fully closed. Adjust the torque switch to apply less push to the stem so that it will not be ben t, even
if the gate encounters an obstruction during closure.

Hydraulic Cylinder Lifts

Screw the stem further into the stem block or stem splice coupling so the piston “bottoms” out inside the cylinder when the gate is fully
closed; or with the pressure relief valve, adjust maximum pressure to the top of the cylinder to prevent overloading the stem w hen
gate is closed. Tighten the setscrew after adjustment.

Excess Force Is Required on Handwheel or Crank

1. Ensure the stem is lubricated as recommended.
2. If application of lubricant does not solve the problem, check for foreign material in the nut threads either by disassembly or
working back and forth with application of penetrating oil and grease.
3. If properly greased and lift nut is not binding, ensure the stem, stem guides, and lift are aligned. A carpenter’s level can verify it
is in plane in both directions. Check for binding through individual stem guides. Ensure pedestal is vertical in both directions and
the stem threads straight through the lift nut.
4. In locations where the stem is not installed vertically, alignment can be checked by using a thin wire stretched between theslide
top and the lift bottom. Realign by adjusting stem guides and/or shimming less than one side of the lift.
5. Check condition of the seating faces. A rough or galled seat can cause additional friction load. Depending on severity, the faces
may be f led or sanded smooth. Some sealability may be sacrif ced.
6. Debris is stuck in the gate opening. Clean and remove all debris or try to f ush debris by cautiously opening and closing the
gate.
7. Excess head pressure can also be the problem. Check head limitations of gate and either reduce head or install a gate of the
proper rating.

Handwheel Turns but Gate or Stem Does Not Move

If this occurs the lift nut threads are probably worn out. Replace the lift nut and perform routine maintenance and lubrication. Check
that the stem has not separated or disconnected from the gate as a result of excessive force. Replace the stem and any broken
parts.

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