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Opener install question

mike93lx

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Dec 9, 2013
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Richmond, VA
This is a 16' x7' sectional door with a perfectly functioning opener. I'm swapping to get battery backup. Spring is torsion, if it matters

The current tracks are installed sloping downward slightly towards the back of the garage, 0.5" over 7'. The opener is down 3.5" over 7'. You should be able to see a difference in the pic below with the laser line

There is no binding and the elevation difference is easily taken up but the lifting arm

Should I reinstall at the same position or should the GDO be at a similar pitch to the tracks? My gut is to go back the same as what it is since it's working, but that doesn't mean it's right.

1000006564.jpg
 
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Fav Onefour

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Jul 14, 2022
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778
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MN cold and hot
The level sure provides a nice visual.
Tracks aren't too bad. Unhook the opener and lift the door to end of travel. Does it roll on it's own past open height? I bet the tracks aren't enough to cause that issue.
The opener rail is off a surprising amount. It must be close to the door at full stop height. If you're already replacing the opener, just install the new one higher. Unlevel track isn't a deal breaker but they do flex. If it's too close, you'll be gunking up the door.
 
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mike93lx

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The opener was swapped the week before we closed on the house 3 years ago. I wouldn't be surprised if the old opener's alignment was different and the installer just kept it simple. I rarely open the door, but it moves smoothly.
 

steves_001

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Southern MN / Northern MN
The slope looks fine. Usually the instructions mention a 2x4 placed on the top of the open door to set the proper slope from the header connection, (1.5 in). If you were to run that same 1.5 in level back to the header you would hit springs/torsion bar in most cases. There is no call for having it level I've ever seen. Your current install looks just fine.

ps. that slipstream canoe looks nice!
 
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mike93lx

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Richmond, VA
The slope looks fine. Usually the instructions mention a 2x4 placed on the top of the open door to set the proper slope from the header connection, (1.5 in). If you were to run that same 1.5 in level back to the header you would hit springs/torsion bar in most cases. There is no call for having it level I've ever seen. Your current install looks just fine.
Thanks


ps. that slipstream canoe looks nice!
Thanks again. I just wish there was somewhere to paddle it in VA... I bought it (and the other one thats wrapped up in the background) when we lived in MA... Tons of rivers and ponds.
 

firebirdparts

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Jun 8, 2016
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Kingsport, TN
"Should" is a difficult word here. You are absolutely allowed to install it like it is, and then run it, and see if it works. That's fine.
 
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mike93lx

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38,398
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Richmond, VA
It's installed. I cut 3" of the hangers (I love the M12 cutoff tool) and it operates just fine.

Runs well on battery, slower but not anything silly1000006579.jpg
 
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