Frequently Asked Questions
Q. "My Crane toilet model number shows up as an American Standard/Universal Rundle toilet when I search the Internet. Are you sure these are the right parts? Most of them say 'will fit'..."
A. Crane Plumbing has a very complex history, and it's very possible that your toilet was in fact manufactured by either American Standard or Universal Rundle, depending on when it was made. When looking for parts for a Crane or Universal Rundle toilet, we always recommend trying to find a date stamp that can tell you when your toilet was manufactured. In the 1990's, Crane Plumbing purchased Universal-Rundle Corp. and continued to manufacture many of their toilet models under the URC label, but the internal components (i.e., flush valves, flappers, trip levers, etc.) of many were notably different. In 2008, Crane was acquired by American Standard - who then continued to manufacture select Crane toilet models, but chose not to continue certain lines or provide parts/support for many of the older Crane/URC models.
Because Crane has been under American Standard Brands for some time now, OEM parts are often difficult to find. Many of the parts we offer for Crane toilets are considered "will fit" - a part that is not made by the original manufacturer, but will fit and function like the original part. While we have done our best to find you these "will fit" replacement parts, please be aware that they may not be appropriate for every situation or for every toilet with this same model number. This is simply a convenience we offer to our customers to aid them in finding repair parts for their Crane toilets. We strongly encourage you to compare the pictures and dimensions provided with your existing parts prior to purchasing, in order to ensure a good match and proper function. Please note that we cannot accept returns for toilet seats or for modified (cut, bent, etc.) parts, and any returns are subject to our returns policy.
Q. "When I search for a Crane model number, more than one toilet series comes up - how do I know which one to choose?"
A. When searching for replacement parts for your toilet, it is most important to find the TANK number to ensure the parts are a good match. Crane tended to take a "mix & match" approach to their toilet models, and so you will often see the same tank used on a variety of bowl styles. We include pictures of various toilet styles on our site so that those who cannot find or read the tank number in their toilet can still find parts.
If you already know your tank number, feel free to choose whichever series you feel looks most similar to your toilet and use the parts specified for that TANK number. Because of Crane's unique "mix & match" system, as long as your tank number matches, you should be good to go even if the bowl doesn't look exactly the same. As always, though, we encourage you to compare any type of "will fit" toilet part with your existing parts prior to purchasing to ensure you're getting the correct item.
Q. "How do I install the T0133 'Will Fit' adjustable front mount trip levers?"
A.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT attempt to remove the screw on the back of the arm. It is not meant to be removed and may break the handle if attempted.
1) Determine if this tank lever will be used for side mounting or front mounting. For side mounting, adjust the tank arm by unloosening the phillps head arm adjustment screw on the arm and moving the arm to the desired position.
2) Unscrew the set screw from the handle lever assembly using the allen wrench provided. Do not remove the set screw completely, just enough to free the handle lever assembly. The set screw is extremely small and easily lost.
3) Pull the handle lever assembly off of the stem that slides through the brass mount and the handle base.
4) Slide the stem connected to the arm out of the brass mount and handle base.
5) Unthread the brass mount/arm stops off of the handle base. The handle base has left hand threads so to remove the brass mount/arm stops you will need to unthread it using a clockwise rotation.
6) Now that the handle base and brass mount are separated, slide the handle base threaded post into the hole on the front of the tank.
7) Holding the handle base in place with one hand, use the other hand to thread the brass mount/arm stop on to the handle base. Use a counter-clockwise rotation since the handle base has left hand threads. You will need to make sure the arm stops are positioned so the arm will rest horizontally when tightened in place. If the handle base and brass mount/arm stops need to be tightend more than hand tight, then use a crescent wrench on the two flat edges on the handle base to tighten the handle base ever so slightly. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN - over tightening can easily crack the tank
8) Once the handle base and brass mount/arm stop are tightened to the tank then slide the stem through the brass mount/arm stops from inside the tank so the handle lever assembly can be attached to the stem on the front outside of the tank. Adjust the handle lever assembly to be in the position you wish it to be. Check to make sure the flat brass arm is aligned correctly. It can be adjusted towards the front or back of the tank by adjusting the phillips head screw on the arm.
9) Using the allen wrench provided tighten the handle lever assembly onto the stem.
10) Test the movement of the lever to make sure it is properly aligned.
11) Attach the flapper chain and test with a flush.
12) Make any adjustment as needed.
