Leaks and corrosion in old kitchen mixer tap - what's required?

[Welder]

For everyone's information, to select the correct o-ring you measure the inner dia of the shaft it goes on and the dia of the bore it goes into. So, if the shaft inner size is 10mm and the bore size is 12 you need an O-ring of 10 id (inner dia) and 1.1 to 1.2mm section... Why 1.1 to 1.2mm? Because you compress the o-ring by between 10 & 20% so it seals. Its also vital to cean ALL surfaces and lubricate very copiously with silicone grease.
Hope it helps someone.

 

[Craigfute]

It'll certainly help me. Thanks for posting.

 

[mache]

Not able to advise but I hope your project to refurbish works out as it looks to have a nice character and would be a shame to replace with something else without the accumulated patina.

 

[Craigfute]

My thoughts entirely. They're a pain to polish (which is why, jtsplumbing, they look 'like s--t' ) but I'd rather have them than a new unit.

 

[Craigfute]

Is there a trick to taking to the handwheel off? I've removed the grub screw but it's stuck fast. Tried Plus Gas, no effect. I've clamped it in a vice and twacked with it a bit of wood and it won't shift. I wonder whether the ceramic insert will need to come off so I can hit something under it! If so, how?
Any advice from experienced hands?

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Wd40 and pieces of wood and a hammer

 

[JCplumb]

I doubt there's a fixing under the ceramic indicator, old taps just don't like to come apart, keep at it.
Three possible outcomes:
It comes off.
It comes off but you damage the finish or even break something in the process.
It doesn't come off.
Heat sometimes helps and small shock type knocks.
There are tools you can buy to help, similar to windscreen wiper arm pullers.

 

[JCplumb]

Actually...
Why are you trying to take the handle off?
You have already exposed the jumper and washer.
Your original issue was that the retaining nut wouldn't keep the washer in place, replace the jumper, it should just pull out. You'll need a 1/2 jumper to replace it with readily available from plumbers merchants, even the big sheds if you don't mind paying through the nose.
You might want to rough up the shaft of the new jumper with a hacksaw if it is too loose in it's socket.

 

[Craigfute]

Forgive my ignorance but .. which bit is the jumper?

I was thinking I should take the handle off to get at whatever is at the bottom of (the upper half of) the shaft. I was anticipating a washer in there. Or is the only washer at the bottommost part of the unit?

 

[JCplumb]

The jumper is the bottom part of the valve that holds the washer.