How do I take a gear meter apart?

How do I take a gear meter apart?

Service: How do I disassemble and inspect a gear meter?

Routine inspection of your gear meters is the best way to ensure accuracy and prevent seasonal damage. If you notice a "stuck" meter or suspect freezing has occurred, follow these steps to safely open and clean the unit.

Disassembly

  1. Remove Housing Bolts: Remove the 6 bolts located around the outer edge of the meter housing.

  2. Remove the Faceplate: CAREFULLY pull the face straight off. The axles for the gears are indexed into the face of the housing. There are two alignment guides to help keep things lined up.

    Important: Do not twist the face while removing it, as this can bend the axles or damage the alignment pins.

  3. Remove the Gears: Pull the gears straight out. If they are stubborn, you can use needle-nose pliers to grip them and pull them toward you.

  4. Inspect for Damage: Check the gears thoroughly for cracks.

    • Check the "Legs": The most common failure point is where the legs connect to the outer portion of the gear.

    • Freeze Damage: Cracks in this area are almost always caused by liquid remaining inside the gear cavity during freezing weather.

  5. Clean: Thoroughly clean the gears and the interior of the housing while the unit is open.

Reassembly

  1. Gears in "T" Configuration: Place the gears back over the axles.

    • Magnets Facing Out: Ensure all magnets are facing toward you.

    • Orientation: The gears should form a "T" shape to mesh correctly.

  2. Test Rotation: Verify the gears spin freely. Place a fingertip on one of the magnets and spin the gears. Make several full revolutions in both directions to ensure there is no binding.

  3. Check Seals: Place the O-ring back into the groove of the housing. Ensure both alignment pins are seated in their holes.

  4. Apply Faceplate: Fit the face back onto the main housing.

  5. Tighten Bolts (Star Pattern): Reinstall the body cap screws.

    • The Sequence: Tighten in a star sequence (like the lug nuts on a tire) to ensure the body is assembled evenly.

    • Final Pass: Carry out a final check-tighten in the same star sequence to a firm torque.

  6. Warning: Do Not Overtighten: These are PPS plastic meters. Overtightening will strip the internal plastic threads. Tighten until firm, but do not force them.