Review on Toro 53803 Solenoid Jar Valves: Unbeatable Performance and Reliability by Donnie Boss

I was trying to replace a rusted and cracked solenoid valve on an old Lawn Genie valve (beveled flat "dome" top) and I managed to stripping the threads on more than 10 of these solenoids while trying to install one properly, I figured I'd have to figure out what was going on. This is not the same electromagnet, although listed as an exact replacement part and shares the same manufacturer part number. What appears almost identical at first glance is not on closer inspection. Who completely changes a part and keeps the same part number? Unbelievable. When you try to screw it in, it just catches on a thread or two and spins once or twice before the magnet starts tipping and the threads loosen. It is almost impossible to install the solenoid deep enough to engage the valve seat and it will prevent the valve from closing. This new solenoid has been redesigned and will not fit older valves. Newer straight valves with a round dome on top and deeper solenoid threads will have the solenoid seated properly. The problem is mainly due to the white ring around the valve seat, which when installed is deeper in the valve and slightly larger in diameter; approx. almost 10mm instead of approx. 9.3mm with the original old valve. I've tried taking the old ring off and reusing it on the new valve, but it's a smaller diameter than the hole on the new solenoid and won't fit tight. Hypothetically it could do the job just fine by loosening it or removing the white ring altogether, but I ended up going the other way. My original valve was 3/4". After trying different valves, I found that the Irritrol 205T, a 1" valve, has the same valve top but with a larger seat for the new solenoids, and also comes with a solenoid. Obviously the whole valve is more expensive but I find this to be the best option for long term performance. I replaced the valve top and everything fitted and worked great. These new solenoids now seat properly when they need to be replaced .