Frozen Secock

[Geof]

I am in a quandary. The outlet seacock is frozen. It is a conical brass seacock - vintage '76 probably that is absolutely frozen in place - OPEN!I thought the good news might be that it is installed upside down.I was trying to get it to move today, again, and tried removing the retaining nut, the cap nut and hitting it with a hammer and drift.The cone won't budge. Has anyone wrestled with a frozen/corroded brass conical seacock and found a way to get it too work again.Any advice is greatly appreciated. Time is getting short since I want to launch in a few weeks.Thanks in advance.Geof

 

[David Guthridge]

Penetrating oil

Penetrating oil has always worked for me. apply a generous amount and let it stand for 15-20 min. sometimes 2-3 applications are needed. Keep doing that and it will loosen up.David Guthridge

 

[David Guthridge]

Heat

Sometimes just the heat from a hair dryer will help loosen it.

 

[Dick of Sylvan]

More Penetrating Oil

I've often found that repeated applications and light tapping over sevearal days helps penetrating oil help in removal of stuck bolt threads, so if it doesn't work in the first half hour don't give up.

 

[Mike]

Warning

Just because you get it to open and close doesn't mean your home free. If the seacock is frozen then it probably is corroded. If the sealing area is pitted it will probably leak when closed. You might be better off replacing it.Happy Sails to YouMike

 

[Terry Cox]

REPLACE IT

Geof,, in my opinion Mike has it right. If it is frozen using oil may get it to work, but that is only temporary. It appears you are on the hard, what better time to replace it with one that works. Cheap insurance in my mind, they only cost about $35. Terry