... I got a new assembly from HD and thought it would be pretty easy to install. However, I can't get the new moen cartridge in all of the way! Am i missing something? The old cartridge was numbered #96909 (or 60696). I can't find a direct replacement, but that wouldn't help because the handle itself broke too.
Also, would it be easier to just go with another brand? Will they work with the plumbing fixture pictured below? In the pic below, the new cartridge is in (but not all of the way).
Moen replacement 1222 for the Posi-Temp Shower Valve
The replacement part number for the Posi-Temp Shower cartridge is either the 1222B or the 1222 (they are the same cartridge just different numbering - I have no idea why).
(The B means it's a "bulk" cartridge. Plumbers buy them without the retail packaging)
My original cartridge (circa 1999/2000) had 96909 on it as well. Moen provides the replacement for free (lifetime warranty). I got mine at the local Rona hardware store (in Canada) for free. I don't know if other stores provide this free service. Otherwise call Moen and they will ship one out to you for free.
My replacement cartridge would not go all the way in either. It seemed just a hair too long, so I could not get the retaining clip to go in (which is absolutely necessary). I called Moen (for free lifetime tech support). They said that the (original) valve develops sediment inside it over time (in my case 16 years). The old cartridge has adapted to it, so it will fit in, but the new one will not.
The Moen recommended solution is:
1. Stick a rag soaked in a 50/50 vinegar/water solution into the big valve hole where the cartridge fits for 30 minutes.
2. Remove rag and scrub inside of valve hole with a toothbrush.
3. Turn the main water back on and force flush the sediment out of the valve hole. Be sure to wrap the valve exterior behind the wall with towels as this will be a very messy procedure. Water goes everywhere and it will be dirty, possibly with little black pieces of rubber from the old cartridge.
4. Install new 1222B replacement cartridge.
This worked for me. The new cartridge fit, but just barely. It took a lot of fiddling (pushing the bottom tips of the retaining clip in towards the wall with a screwdriver and hammering gently on the top of the retaining clip) to get the retaining clip in, but it did eventually go all the way in.
I guess they make them to fit super-tight, which works fine with a new, clean valve but not so much with an old, dirty valve.