bf,

I would replace all the auto valves and use the existing wires but redo all the connections. Turn the solenoid itself slightly counterclockwise. The zone should come on. The zone should shut down when tightened again. Do not over tighten, just enough to shut zone water off. Remove heads a couple at a time from the farthest to the closest and flush the system using the solenoid method. Check the sprinkler filters at each head and clean. Replace heads and see if everything works. Aloha

I found a pretty efficient way to test these:

1. See of the solenoids are working. I was surprised to find I had a spare 24v transformer. I put it on the end of the an extension cord and went right to the valve connections. Two of the three with disconnected wires worked.

2. On the remaining one, I tried turning the bleed screw. It didn't work that way either. I'm replacing that valve.

3. I needed to figure out where the connections went. I had some wiring next to controllers that was disconnected. If you have a Fox and Hound or a similar tester, you can follow it back to the matching wire at the sprinkler timer. It works in the other direction too. However, it's easiest to find the matching wire at the timer end, because the wires are all close together, even disconnected ones.

BF,

Very good idea. JMHO. ALoha