Beckson opening port gaskets

[Mark Maulden]

Have 4 4x14 opening ports that need new gaskets. Spent 5 hrs today ( ya five) and got 1.5 ports done and a very high level of frustration. After all, how hard can a few gaskets be? Followed the instructions on Beckson website and even talked to them. This design ranks among the top three worst designs. The others are 1) don't know and 2) presta valves on bicycle wheels. If I complete the second port, then the hose test follows. I remember that an automotive windshield place told me yrs ago that glycerin would rejuvenate rubber which these gaskets are. They suggested it on the door seals of my MGB. Ended up selling the MG wishing I hadn't..any experience?

 

[Stu Jackson]

Mark,

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3241.0.html

Not too sure what you mean by gaskets? The black rubber inside?

 

[Mark Maulden]

The black circular rubber bulb seal that has a "leg" that has to go into the groove 1/2 inch at a time via rubber hammer. Per verbal instructions from Beckson. Between the lens and port for opening ports...wondering if glycerin will rejuvenate the gaskets for the remaining two ports.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Mark, I never used a hammer, just press fit in with my thumb. All three of them...

 

[tommays]

2) presta valves on bicycle wheels. door seals of my MGB.

Presta valves and tubulars the best thing ever invented i can see how you would hate gaskets

 

[Chris Patterson]

Try dish soap Mark. I guess glycerin will work, but soap comes off yer hands easier. I don't know how well it rejuvenated it, but it does make it slick..

I pushed an MGB roadster all over four counties, and personally hope to never even SEE another MG. (Sorry mates)..

 

[All U Get]

I just added grey foam tape from Ace hardware to the frame and its worked well while we were traveling. We had to stretch it to make the corners and keep it one piece. My rant is why have the gasket 1/4 inch down from the opening allowing water to pool in there and then drip down when you open the port.

All U Get

 

[WayneH]

How I replaced my gaskets.

First, I removed the lens.
Then I installed the new gasket on one side of the frame.
Temporarily install the lens offset over the gasket. If you started on the left side of the port, put the right side of the lens over it. And close the lens. So you should have half the port still open. The lens will hold the gasket on that side while you manhandle the gasket on the other side.

Once you get the gasket set, remount the lens correctly in the port.

I've got 8 of these on my Tartan and the two between the mainstays and forestays are nearly impossible as one side of the port has no clearance for the lens or your hands.

 

[njlarry]

I am currently experincing the same frustration to the point of thinking of replacing every Beckson port with something new.
One port has been impossible to fix. So am considering enlarging the groove that the gasket should hold and just epoxing the damn thing in!
D and R also supplied great instructions with them but a hammer will not get the rubber lip into the groove.

 

[woodster]

try soaking it in hot water

 

[Mark Maulden]

Look at Becksons website on how to replace gaskets. The hammer thing came as a verbal as I called to verify I had the right p/n gasket. They say after a few you will get the hang of it. Well, I have about 7 hrs in for two gaskets... One might still leak a bit. Will know tomorrow. I have two left.. And I will not go through this again..all I want to do is keep them from leaking over the winter. And after this escapade, I'm replacing with fixed ports in the spring as we don't ever open them..the last two are going to be foam tape applied right over the existing gasket. This gasket design is right up there with presta valves as the worst designs...I was going to order the replacement ports from Beckson as I was told they're exactly the same and the hole pattern would mate up. (My supposition) They say new ports are not drilled for mounting bolts. This opens the field up....

 

[Mark Maulden]

Stu, you must have a different port design.. Or live a charmed life!

 

[Stu Jackson]

Stu, you must have a different port design.. Or live a charmed life!

I thought Beckson only made two types: rain drain and regular, but they're the same design. Mine are 5 x 12s. All eight of them! I've replaced three or four, and redid the gaskets on all of them at one time or another.

Maybe my fingers were younger back then...

One of my late, great friends bequeathed me half a dozen new screens. I think it's about time I honored him and put them in.

 

[Mark Maulden]

You might be able to do that without ripping the gaskets out. At least you can with new ones.... Also forgot to mention that I tried the glycerin thing. Unless something happens overnight, no go....

 

[Mark Maulden]

Went to the boat today and checked the two ports. The second had a little weep of a leak. This was the problem one. I was able to take a 1/2 turn on the dogs and will check later. They will never be opened....I also checked the few inches of old gasket that I put glycerin on. It did not expand the cross sectional area like a new one, but it did make the rubber more supple.

 

[All U Get]

Here was my fix until I take time to change the gaskets.
I did this in Charleston two years ago and we've gone Maine to Miami since without any leaks.

All U Get

 

[Joe Blizzard]

Mark, I never used a hammer, just press fit in with my thumb. All three of them...

Same here. I replaced the lenses, screens, and gaskets on all four of mine shortly after I got my boat. I don't remember it being very difficult. Definitely no hammering involved.

Incidentally, I bought four complete ports from Beckson's overstock web page, and they were cheaper than buying the parts. The frames were the wrong color, but since I didn't replace those, it didn't matter.