I replaced the actuator(flapper) on a 17 year old american std tank and it keeps bouncing up & down as it tries to seal. At first I though it was from the waves made as water fills the tank, so I tried slowing down the rate of flow into the tank. But the problem persists. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

Chain is too short.

The flapper should lift completely and it will stay upright until the water slowly puts it down.

Kiss has given you a very good answer , I agree with him ;;; F.B.E.

Pedroa:

I have seen this a few times... American standard no longer makes the actuator valve you are talking about... some new companies make them and some of their specifications are not quite correct... the defective actuators are made of a lighter weight plastic that causes the bouncing just like you said.

Three fixes:

1) find the old actuator and re-install and just replace the actuator disc on it.

2) find another actuator valve... like one at a plumbing supply house (not home supply)... may be heavier then the type you have

3) I hate this one, but works, epoxy a quarter onto the top end of actuator valve for extra wieght... that is what some have done in my area to remedy this. I know... SOUNDS RIDICULOUS.. and it is.. but worked for some of the local guys I know.

Hard to believe that answer.. huh? But like I said, American standard no longer making them. Sometimes things just don't change for the better.

Let us know what you find... Mark

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I had the same problem with the same aged American Standard toilet. I replaced the flapper and it bounced and would not seal. A simple solution provided to me by a plumbing supply store is to apply a little Vasoline to the edge of the flapper. I tried this and the flapper stopped bouncing and sealed just fine.