I have a natural gas outdoor firepit that has a Dante key valve that is difficult to operate. It's worked as it should for 8 or 9 years. I removed some lava rock from the pit and exposed the valve. It looks rusty to me but I'm not sure if this is normal or not. I removed the flange from the outside wall by unscrewing that part from the valve. The area of the valve by the key was full of mud/rust. Without the flange, I was able to operate the valve with my usual 12” key. I cleaned it up and reinstalled the flange. The key valve was very difficult to operate again.
I did notice the flange wasn’t 100% lined up with the threads on the Dante valve. I believe I’m able to properly align the flange because it threads onto the valve ok. I’m just not sure why it becomes difficult to turn the key when the flange is installed. Not sure if there was packing that could be repacked or something.
I really don’t want to have to tear all of this out if I don't have to. My suspicion tells me the valve needs to be replaced and it's gonna be a decent amount of work for me. Please help if there might be an easier fix!
I did notice the flange wasn’t 100% lined up with the threads on the Dante valve. I believe I’m able to properly align the flange because it threads onto the valve ok. I’m just not sure why it becomes difficult to turn the key when the flange is installed. Not sure if there was packing that could be repacked or something.
I really don’t want to have to tear all of this out if I don't have to. My suspicion tells me the valve needs to be replaced and it's gonna be a decent amount of work for me. Please help if there might be an easier fix!