I can only get hot water from this brand new valve. Yhe only way to get cooler water is to reduce the valve to a point where I get very low flow. Increasing the flow to a satisfactory flow only gives hot water. The water coming in is at 130 degrees F. I can not change the temp of the water coming in.
I visited Symmons web site and the best recommendation they have is " open valve half way and tap it with a wooden hammer or disassemble and hit stem hard to lossen the balance control device. I did this and there is no change.
When I have the stem out and in my hand, am I suppose to feel something (balancing device) moving inside when I shake it? This has been going on for a long time and I have been taking baths instead of a shower. Now I have trouble getting into a bath due to hip replacements and I would like to take showers instead.
Is there another stem which will replace mine without taking the wall apart?
Thank you very much for any help you may offer.

Perhaps this will help. Symmons - FAQ (http://www.symmons.com/service/a8.cfm) Regards Tom

Gee! I'm reaL sorry that Symmons FAQ didn't help and that you're unhappy with the diagram and the faq's. I have a dandy suggestion. If you can't free up the stem by smaking it with a hammer or soaking it in vinegar why not bite the bullet and replace it?
"When I have the stem out and in my hand, am I suppose to feel something (balancing device) moving inside when I shake it?"

Of course there's moving parts in the unit. That's why they suggested loosening it up.
"Is there another stem which will replace mine without taking the wall apart?"

You will have to open up the valve to replace the stem but not the wall. Ask for Symmons Part# TA10. How much "dialog" did you expect? Tom

I don't have a problem replacing the valve stem. It's just that a new valve, installed by the plumber should work properly or perhaps the incoming water is just too hot and a replacement will have the same problem. I could not find any specs stating the water has to be limited to a certain temperature. So I'll bite the bullet, get another stem and see if it works. If not I'll just have to change out the fixture. I was hoping to find another type of stem, one that can handle hotter incoming water. Thank you for your help speed ball1. Didn't mean to upset you.

I'm not upset perhaps I just didn't understand your problem.
It's not that the stem can't handle the hotter water. It's that the stem isn't operating properly. When you shake it you should hear a click of moving parts.
If not then you have a faulty stem. I would try a replacement before you change out the valve. Sorry for the misunderstanding. Tom

I can only get hot water from this brand new valve. Yhe only way to get cooler water is to reduce the valve to a point where I get very low flow. Increasing the flow to a satisfactory flow only gives hot water. the water coming in is at 130 degrees F. I can not change the temp of the water coming in.
I visited Symmons web site and the best recommendation they have is " open valve half way and tap it with a wooden hammer or disassemble and hit stem hard to lossen the balance control device. I did this and there is no change.
When I have the stem out and in my hand, am I suppose to feel something (balancing device) moving inside when I shake it? This has been going on for a long time and I have been taking baths instead of a shower. Now I have trouble getting into a bath due to hip replacements and I would like to take showers instead.
Is there another stem which will replace mine without taking the wall apart?
thank you very much for any help you may offer.
Stem had a dent in it thus preventing the adjustment of the cold water. Replaced with a new one and it is working fine.