BRS float valve metal pin corroding

[dan55]

I am using the BRS float valve directly in my sump. There is a metal pin that is stainless steel, but showing some corrosion after 1 month. Anybody replaced this pin with plastic or other non-metallic material? Or have any ideas for a good substitute pin? It is slightly less that 1/16" diameter or about 1.5 mm in diameter. It probably doesnt have to have the same shape as long as there is a mechanism added to the ends to prevent the pin from falling out. BRS shows a cotter pin style shape in the 2nd photo.

 

[dan55]

actually the pin is not stainless steel per magnet test.

 

[All_talk]

FYI, stainless can be magnetic. High strength grades in the 400 series and "precipitant hardening" grades like 15-5, 17-4 and 18-8 are all magnetic.

Personally, I would not be to concerned with the level of corrosion your picture is showing, but like you say, its only been a month.

You might be able to find some 1.5mm acrylic rod and heat bend it into an appropriate shape. I would be cautious going with a soft plastic like ABS/styrene, there is some shear load on the pin when the valve is closed.

 

[dan55]

1/16" diameter acrylic rod that I shaped with a heat gun worked as a good replacement for the metal pin that started to corrode