Hard To Turn Plastic Ball Valves

[JibeMama]

I have a 1997 Catalina 320 with original ball valves. They are white plastic. The problem is they are so hard to open or close. Is there anything I could do to make them easier to turn?

 

[Joe]

I'm hoping you mean Marelon, not plastic! Read this? http://www.forespar.com/pdf/techTips/M28-Marelon-Ball Valves-MF850.pdf

The thru hulls are critical parts....... make sure you understand all critical parts and systems in your boat.

Here's another piece taken from the Jamestown Dist. site:

How to Maintain Marelon Seacocks
Forespar Marelon Thru-hull/seacocks are corrosion free and provide great peace of mind in that regard. They are relatively maintenance free. Generally, lubrication is not required. What is required is to open and close them on a regular basis (4 times a year minimum). The frequency this is required is determined by two (2) things, whether the valves are routinely kept open or closed, and the rate of sea growth (weed and barnacles) in your area.

If the rate of fouling is high and the valves are not actuated regularly, this build up of growth can cause any valve to turn hard or not at all. If the valve becomes stiff due to lack of use and sea growth build-up, it must be cleaned. The restriction of flow into the valve may cause harm to the machinery it serves and the valve may seize if not maintained. DO NOT DISASSEMBLE VALVE OR LOOSEN BOLTS EXCEPT IN EXTREME EMERGENCIES. All valves are factory pressure tested before shipping. Any adjustments to the bolts will void this testing and may void warranties.

All MARELON integrated valves have a removable plug in the handle (white cap with loop). This plug is made to fit into the external thru-hull (non-screened style only). In an emergency, this plug can be placed in the thru-hull (water pressure will keep it in) and the valve disassembled while the boat is in the water. Someone must get wet, but the boat does not need to be hauled for valve repairs. By tying a lanyard to the cap, you need only get wet once.

 

[mortyd]

White?

 

[Joe]

White?

Good question morty.... hmm... maybe they are plastic. better call catalina yachts for details or at least take a look at the owner's manual.

 

[Big Windy]

I also have a '97 C320, they are not white or plastic. The only thing you can do is exercise them by opening/closing them every once in a while. If you are in salt water, that might make it a bit more difficult.

 

[FastOlson]

More info needed

I have a 1997 Catalina 320 with original ball valves. They are white plastic. The problem is they are so hard to open or close. Is there anything I could do to make them easier to turn?

Before any more posters jump to conclusions....
Where are these particular valves, and what is their purpose?

(I would doubt that Catalina used "white plastic ball valves" for any thruhull fitting...)

Thanks.

 

[Big Windy]

Before any more posters jump to conclusions....
Where are these particular valves, and what is their purpose?

(I would doubt that Catalina used "white plastic ball valves" for any thruhull fitting...)

Thanks.

Through hull fittings.

 

[redhead78]

I don,t think it matters what they r made of a little blue grease on say a q-tip might make them a little better Red

 

[hewebb]

There is a product called LPS-3 that is a paraffin based spray lubricant. I have used it many times for sticky items and it has always worked. It leaves a waxy residue that seems to stay for a very long time. Not sure how much water can go by it before it washes off. Hard to believe these are thru hull valves if they are plastic.