K-Rain Indexing Valve: Only 3 of 6 Zones Work - Cam Issue

Rain Bird ESP controller with K-Rain 1500 pump start relay, Sta-Rite well pump, K-Rain 4000 indexing valve (6-zone capable). Zones 1-3 work; new zone 4 only runs in "test all valves" mode for ~15 min. System runs 4 AM, 59 min on, 15 min off for well recovery. NW Florida, hot.

Root Cause: Wrong Indexing Cam

The K-Rain 4000 indexing valve uses a replaceable cam to determine zone count. Your valve likely has a 3-zone cam installed (numbered 1-3) instead of a 6-zone cam.

Fix

1. Remove indexing valve top cover
2. Check cam - if numbered 1-3, it's a 3-zone cam
3. Replace with 6-zone cam (available from K-Rain dealers)

Controller Programming for 6 Zones

ESP controllers support multiple start times (older: 4, newer: 12). Program creatively:

• Program A: Zone 1 only, set run time, assign 3 start times (e.g., 4:00, 5:15, 6:30 AM)
• Program B: Zones 2-3, set run times, assign 3 start times offset
• Program C: Zones 4-6, set run times, assign start times

This sequences all 6 zones across the watering window with well recovery periods.