Water Softeners and Air Filtration Systems - Econominder 5600 won't move to next stage

A couple of weeks ago I realized that the softener was stuck in one of it's stages and was not moving. I also realized that the time was not correct on the dial. I took the back off and found that the motor was not turning and it was very hot. I took the motor out and tapped it a few times. It started back up and has been keeping time ever since. But, the system is stuck and won't move through the various steps. I manually moved the dial to regen and waited a couple of hours and it never changed. Tried this for a few other stages with the same result. Another thing I found is that the main dial is extremely hard to turn clockwise to the various stages. One last thing, when I took the back off, a small silver washer that is bent like a potato chip fell out. This looks like some kind of retension washer.

Questions: Any ideas on the problem? I'm very handy, so is there a rebuild kit I can purchase (Sears?) to do the repair myself? Should I buy a new motor since the old one may be going or was damaged when it stopped before?

I'm trying to save a $100+ service call if I can do this myself. If I can't I'd rather replace this 10 year old softener and install a new one myself.

Sorry but the problem is either the seals and spacers and/or the brine valve sticking. Yes it will damage andor burn out the motor. The seals and spacers can't be replaced without Fleck's valve specific special tools. That washer is a spring washer and you need to put it back. So its either a service call or taking the valve off the tank and send it to someone that will repair it and return it. The price should be roughly $125 for the seals/spacers, brine valve and motor including shipping charges. You can only get parts from a dealer that sells Fleck; not Sears etc.. A service call will be from $50-100.

I would suggest a new softener with a Clack WS-1 or Fleck 7000 (no specail tools needed for repairs if needed) control valve or at least a new control valve

Gary
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Doug Aleshire, Super Moderator 2

Thank you for the quick reply Gary. I found where the spring washer goes last night and reinstalled it. As for the special tools, I was looking at the following website http://softenerparts.zoovy.com/category/6600.fleck_5600_service_hints.fleck_5600_stuck_valve

and it looks pretty straightforward. They described my problem exactly and sell the common repair kit for $52. They say the motor will shut down when it gets stuck to prevent any damage to it. They say the motor usually does not need replacement and that the seals are bad after 10 years which is causing the piston to bind. Am I missing something? There is no mention of special tools. I'm ready to order the kit but I don't want to get at the piston and find out I don't have a special tool.

BTW - last night I nudged the dial through the brine rinse cycle and it ran the rest of the way through just fine. I think new seals and lubrication will fix this.

Yes that's one place. I've rebuilt a fair number of Fleck valves and the 5600 specifically, and I've had trouble 'with' the tools! The brine valve can be replaced easily but the piston seals and spacers are something else. Go for it and see how it goes, or send them the valve.

Gary
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Doug Aleshire, Super Moderator 2