[Jeffk1968]

I am trying to replace a complete Flush Valve in my toilet tank, and I have a silly question - how the heck do I get the OLD FLUSH VALVE (with flapper) unscrewed from the tank? It is much larger than any wrench/plier that I have, and my hand strength is not enough to do it either. Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated! Jeff:confused:

[speedball1]

Things You’ll Need to replace the flush valve;
Socket wrench
Flat-blade screwdriver
Hacksaw blade
Adjustable wrench
Groove-joint pliers
New flush valve
Pipe joint compound
Step1Start by shutting off the water, either at the main valve or at the shutoff valve beneath the toilet. Lift the lid from the tank, flush the toilet to drain the water from the tank and then sponge out any remaining water.
Step2Loosen the coupling nut that secures the water-supply tube to the fill-valve shank, and remove the tube. Reach under the tank, and using a socket wrench undo the tank bolts while back-holding the slotted bolt head using a flat-blade screwdriver.
Step3Use a hacksaw blade on the tank bolt if it won’t break free, just remember to wrap the end of the blade you will be holding.
Step4Lift the tank off the bowl and turn it upside down on the floor in front of you. Remove the old flush valve’s spud-nut washer.(see image)
Step5Loosen the spud nut using groove-joint pliers. The nut should break free easily this way.
Step6Install the new flush valve through the tank hole, and position the overflow tube to fit the fill tube on the fill valve.
Step7Thread the large spud nut onto the flush valve at the bottom of the tank, and tighten the nut with a spud wrench,(see image) until it squeaks at you.
Step8Fit the large rubber spud washer over the spud nut, and coat the washer with a generous layer of pipe joint compound.
Step9Install washers on the tank bolts, and coat them with pipe joint compound. Then insert the bolts through the tank and bowl and secure them firmly.
Step10Connect the flapper. Then reinstall the water supply tube, and turn the water back on. Watch the flapper operate through several flushes, and then make adjustments as needed.
Step11Check the bottom of the tank bolt for leaks, and continue to check them several times during the days to follow. Good luck and thank you for rating my answer. Tom