I have just replaced one of these in an old American Standard toilet
circa 1937. Did a similar toilet several years ago. This one had no
instructions, don't think the earlier one did either.
In both cases, I had immediate leaks past the leather gasket. The
surface of the gasket looks very rough and is impregnated with a
greasy substance. In both cases I had to replace the leather gasket
with one I fabricated from a piece of soft sheet rubber. The older
toilet has been working fine for probably 10 years with this fix-
hopefully the new one will too.
Questions: Is my experience typical, or am I supposed to be
prepping the gaskets in some way? I should mention that I checked the
brass flange surface very carefully and found it to be perfect in both
cases. The dealer said he had had no complaints, though I suspect he
has sold very few of these. (Has Curtin gone out of business? Not
surprising since most of these toilets are long gone I'd guess.)
For you green folks, I do know these toilets are water wasters,
but this is a historically important house and I hesitate to change
the original fixtures. (The house has a Putnam steam boiler as well.)
Help much appreciated- and thanks for your help in advance!
Frank