Took out the paddle wheel and replaced with plug. No problem. But when I reinstalled the paddle wheel after cleaning I couldn't get it to stop dripping. About a drop every 2 seconds. Tried it and the plug several times. Made sure O-rings were clean. Still water seeping in. Finally got the drop to stop with the plug in. Not something that I can wait to fix on the hard because I won't be able to test the fix. Any ideas about what I should do? Hunter 33 2004.
Paddle wheel thru hull dripping
- Thread starter SCS22
- Start date
Take out the plug and clean the hole with a bottle brush. Examine the o-ring to check for cracks or tears. Brush the o-ring area on the transducer and wipe a bit of Super Lube on the ring. I would expect no leaks after doing these actions. If it still leaks, I would replace the o-rings.
Thanks! I will do all that. Probably not right now since it's currently not dripping and we're about to set off on a tip. I'll post once we're back.
Actually, I thought you meant in the water. My thru hull has the flap that reduces the water coming in a lot. I tried cleaning the hole a bit yesterday when the paddle wheel and plug were out, but not with a brush. Water inflow was manageable.
You can also just stuff a rag in the hole while you work on cleaning it while in the water, and then pull it back out when you're ready to put the plug or paddlewheel sensor back in.
Definitely true if the flap is working; not so much if it isn't. And DEFINTITELY not true if the flap is not working and you're sailing heeled over at hull speed with your wife at the helm while you go below to pull the plug and put in the paddlewheel and get a face full of water under a fair amount of pressure. Or...so a friend told me anyway. But, I mean, what idiot would do THAT?!?
It's a long shot and I apologize in advance for any insult to your technique but the transducer and the plug both have a small tab that locks into place on the thru hull, usually facing forward. It has ben my sad experience that if you don't get the transducer seated properly by twisting it slightly until it locks when fully inserted, the thing will leak.