Seeking Valve Upgrade to Candy Machine

[OneLegJohn]

The valves on the pig and trough are less than adequate. The little set-screw and spring just isn't cutting it. I've seen some valves on used candy machine set-ups (apparently I'm not the only who thinks this way) that look to be custom. I don't know if they are Tri-clover butterfly valves, or what. I found a good guy that welds for the local dairies. He will drive out to the sugarhouse for service. I was going to have him weld a valve onto the pig and trough. Any insight on what valve works best?

[OneLegJohn]

Here is a link to what I'm talking about.

http://www.healssugarhouse.com/images/Maple%20Candy%20Machine.jpg

[Bucket Head]

I have that same machine, but without the ball valve on the trough. The previous owner said it had that style valve but he removed it. He felt it was soaking up too much heat, cooling the candy and not allowing it to flow out as well. He replaced it with just a flat piece of stainless steel that went up and down. Theres a pivot bolt through the piece that bolts to a flange on the trough outlet, so you push down on the 'handle' end of it and the end over the outlet goes up, opening the trough. Pull up on the piece and the other end goes down cutting off the flow. Just like the stoping action of a gate valve, just quicker. It works fine for starting and stoping the flow.

[OneLegJohn]

The valve you describe is the one I'm having trouble with. It is the standard flat sliding valve. I was wondering if that was the best thing available.

[Bucket Head]

What is your sliding valve doing, or not doing? They only go up and down. You mentioned a set screw and a spring, so i assume the spring is suposed to keep the slider tight to the trough? If so, get rid of it, its not needed. I put a stainless machine screw and nut on mine (at the pivot point) and i did'nt tighten it right up- just snug it. The nut I used has the nylon ring in it, so it stays on. I know them as Nylocks, but they are called many things- go to the hardware store, they will have them. Or you could double nut it, but the nylon lock/stop nut is simpler. Where is the set screw you mentioned? Or is that the pivot point on yours? Either way, bolt the slider up like mine, if you can, and it should be trouble free. I would not go to the trouble and expense of welding a ball valve on the trough. -Steve

[OneLegJohn]

That's what I was looking for, bro. Thank you. Yes, the pivot point is a set screw. Plus there is a weak spring to keep the shutoff flush. Doesn't work very well.