Diverter Issue

[Honeybee]

Hi, I have two showers that both have leaking diverters although all of the stems were replaced in 2020 (supposedly). Both showers are the 3 handle type. I matched the units to a Danco 9 in the hardware store. My diverter doesn't fit in unless I screw it to a shorter position which makes my diverter stem at least a quarter inch shorter than my cold/hot water stems. That being said, the hot and cold water operate great when running through the tub nozzle (no leaks at the hot/cold handles). When the diverter allows water to the shower head, about half of the stream comes out of the tub nozzle and half through the shower head. I thought this was a washer issue, so I purchased a replacement -- perhaps the wrong size (#11) or wrong location for the washer? I appreciate any advice as I only know enough plumbing knowledge to be dangerous.

Attached photos show the diverter opening, diverter with worn washer, diverter with washers side by side, and diverter with new washer installed.

 

[Geofd]

If you know the brand buy brand name replacement parts those off brand parts often
Don't work

 

[Honeybee]

I feel like I matched the brand. Are you saying the washer size is wrong for this model of stem?

 

[Geofd]

If you know the brand name of the valve use those replacement parts, not danco, if you don't take a picture of the whole valve and show us, someone may know it or bring that diverter and a picture of the valve to a plumbing supply house the guys at the counter usually have seen alot

 

[Twowaxhack]

It’s a Sayco

I work on those all the time.

This stem is put together properly except the o ring I circled appears to be too large. The o ring that goes in this location is thin.

You must remove the old oring out of the valve from the old diverter stem. They have a habit of staying in the valve.

 

[Drjfw1966]

It’s a Sayco

I work on those all the time.

This stem is put together properly except the o ring I circled appears to be too large. The o ring that goes in this location is thin.

You must remove the old oring out of the valve from the old diverter stem. They have a habit of staying in the valve.

View attachment 32708

 

[Drjfw1966]

What is the name of the part to the left of that o ring in the photo you posted? This part here?

 

[Twowaxhack]

I call it a sayco diverter stem sleeve but that’s just a name I call it to identify it because I’ve never seen it sold separately anyway.

 

[Drjfw1966]

I call it a sayco diverter stem sleeve but that’s just a name I call it to identify it because I’ve never seen it sold separately anyway.

Thank you that's a start. Moving onto the next thing what size o-ring should I replace the one that came with the new diverter? The problem I am having now is water pressure from the shower head starts out strong for about 10 to 30 seconds, but then weaknes considerably after that. Now that may be a different problem but I want to rule out the possibility that I'm trying to use the incorrect o-ring first. Does the water pressure from the shower head drop after 10 to 30 seconds when you use the o-ring that came with this diverter stem?

 

[Drjfw1966]

I call it a sayco diverter stem sleeve but that’s just a name I call it to identify it because I’ve never seen it sold separately anyway.

I've also noticed that the new diverter sleeve is slightly taller than the diverter sleeve that came out of the old diverter. Would that make a difference in the dropping water pressure coming from the shower head?