I have 3 showers with kohler single handle control mixing valves approx. 35 years old. One shower head (shower stall only) leaked badly and the other two dripped slowly at the tub spout. I replaced the parts contained in Kohler service kit GP78579 in all 3 mixing valves (plastic retainer, plungers, seat washers, and o-rings). In all 3 valves, the retainer was either cracked or slightly bent out of the original shape. After replacing these parts in all 3 valves, the shower head that leaked badly was 100% repaired, but the other 2 still slowly drip at the tub spout. What else can I do to stop the slow drip?

If you have the Kohler valve that I'm thinking of, (Kohler Rite-Temp pictured below), although I'm not sure if it
was around 35 years ago...you may be better off replacing the complete cartridges instead of trying to rebuild them.



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This slow drip will waste 7+ gallons of water per day.

ght be this one? 35 years old..
[images.google.com]
sometimes you have to clean out debris and corrosion as well as changing parts.

I too thought you had the Niedecken Shower Valve, but after reviewing that you used 3 GP78579 kit, then you have the Rite-Temp Valve. Based on the results you experienced, I too suggest that you consider replacing the cartridge after 35 years. The repair kit you used, was the very simple kit and did not have all the required parts you needed.
And remember, vinegar is your best friend when cleaning brass bodied valves.

Best Wishes

If you have the RiteTemp valve, I have found more leaks because of a cracked pressure balancing unit, than actual valve leaks.

They have a new repair kit...
At least the last time I bought one, who knows they may have discontinued that and designed yet another one by now, you know Kohler...

Anyway it includes the pressure balancing section, and gets rid of the plungers, using instead a slotted plate and rubber cup type seats very similar to the Delta Monitor design. I would consider this upgrade for your valve a wise choice.



The Kohler Part# is #76851.
Call 1-800-4-Kohler
or order it on line at the following link.
[www.kohlerserviceparts.kohler.com]

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I had to make the upgrade once using a new front on the old body, and there was a problem. If I remember correctly the face plate, or some other screws were attached differently to the old valve.

Thats why they have the metal ring.

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when i have issues with a K-304k i just put a brand new cartridge in it.

why rebuild a 35 year old cartridge...just replace it

In your picture of Kohler part # 76851, I replaced all the parts inside the valve body shown on the left, including the brass spindle, but I didn't replace the plastic pressure regulator (shown on the right side of your picture), because it wasn't included in the kit I bought. I'll now try to get that part and replace it and see what happens, and then I'll report back on the results.
Thanks to everyone who commented on my problem.

It should have come with it.

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have you bought one lately red? selling seperately makes them more money

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When you take it out, if there are patches of white material along the seam, that is where the leaks are.

The parts page I linked list it as "MIXER & PBU SP KIT" and shows a picture of it....

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