Don't want to sink my boat!

Don S/V ILLusion · May 28, 2021

Not a problem. The handle only turns the ball. The ball is what blocks the flow.

Rick486 · May 28, 2021

justsomeguy said:
I've a Perko sea cock that's got a slight leak from the handle when open.
View attachment 194657 What I'd like to do is remove the handle to check the o rings. Sea cock closed, of course.
Anybody know if seawater will start gushing in if I pull the handle and nut underneath it?
Can't seem to find any diagrams of the thing...

dlochner · May 28, 2021

Have you contacted Perko? They would be the authoratative voice on this issue.

I had a leak on a Groco ball valve seacock, when I inquired about rebuilding it and replacing worn out parts, they said it couldn't be done with damaging the valve.

A Perko valve may or may not have the same limitations.

rgranger · May 28, 2021

Keep a plug handy for piece of mind.

Rick486 · May 29, 2021

justsomeguy said:
@Rick486 , did you mean to write something, or were you alerting me of replies?
Don's reply has calmed me somewhat, but any and all info is welcome.

Sorry jSG. Had a glass in my hand.
I meant to say if there are o-rings, they must be there to prevent leaking. Ergo, removing them will allow some leaking.
N'est pas?

kloudie1 · May 29, 2021

As the ball is rotating, the valve body is open because the ball opening is bypassing its seal.. which allows water freely into the body and the stem packing has to hold back pressure. in the fully open or fully closed positions, leakage out of the stem would be minimized.. You'd not gave a boat-sinking gusher but you may have enough leakage to make replacing the packing/o-rings difficult.. You could minimize by fully closing the valve to the positive stop then opening the grease plug to let leakage out there instead of the stem packing. Kinda dodgy without knowing the configuration of the valve internals, but fully closing the valve then removing the grease plug would give you an idea of how much leakage and you'd be able to put the plug back in if it was a bunch.. about a pucker factor of 4 on a 10 scale.

dmax · May 29, 2021

You could dive down and put a wooden plug in the through-hull (if there isn't a strainer over it) from the bottom and then take your time

JamesG161 · May 29, 2021

This might help you see the parts that are leaking.

justsomeguy said:
No. Been to their website and they offer a rebuild kit, but very little on specifics wrt my issue.

My guess Part #9.

Don S/V ILLusion said:
Not a problem. The handle only turns the ball. The ball is what blocks the flow.

True and maybe not the issue.
But the source of the water has to come by that ball seat.
Not a "sink the boat" type flooding.

Jim...

PS: Note the phone number for Service Calls at bottom of Picture.

JamesG161 · May 29, 2021

justsomeguy said:
Very helpful! My google-fu is weak. Muchos gracias!

Por Nada.

Not from current web searching.

I got most all Sea Cock's information, Drawings, Repair Kits and this specific Groco info, when I was deciding the best design and service a few years ago.

I am replacing all of my seacocks soon, and will share in SBO the final decision and reasons for my Engineering/Boater pick.

Yes I am looking at Marelon

But I am not liking the lubrication maintenance required.
Jim...

JamesG161 · May 29, 2021

justsomeguy said:
Think they'd care if it's a Perko?

I saw Perko, but got side tracked [ no coffee] to Groco :facepalm:

But as you noted Part #11, most of these types of SeaCocks are built the same.

Read the Groco Maintenance section for why lubrication needed.
Jim...