Have you tried cleaning out the groove that the valve slides in?
Scott
> The valve handles on my 75 AS are also difficult to close. I usually
> wind up on my knees to close them, using a block of wood, ideally a short
> piece of 2" X 4" (8 or 10 inches long), to drive the handle in. With
> your foot, you undoubtedly put pressure downward, resulting in a bent
> rod. I keep the block of wood horizontal to drive in the handle, being
> careful to keep it horizontal and peck (firm pushes) to drive the handle
> back to a closed position.
>
> My method is not perfect but works for me. I hope to come up with a
> device, jig, or system so that I can put a screw drive along side the
> valve handle and use a cordless drill to open and close the valve. I
> have a metal shop so making it is not a problem, but I haven't come up
> with a design that I am comfortable with. Our location is on a gravel
> road so a screw drive would get considerable road dust when we depart or
> return.
>
> I am also open to suggestions for improvements. Ned Digh