Cooling water clog
Scott I posted an earlier version of the following message on the Hunter elist at Sailnet last August and got little response. I have found it to be a good solution to this date. I can remove the cap by hand, clear the plug quickly with a stick or screwdriver, replace the cap, and get underway without too much delay. I do need to check if the parts are the correct material as it was pointed out that I should have used bronze not brass. Last summer, we had a problem with the engine cooling water thru hull becoming clogged with very fine plant life. The stuff looked like hair. This happened four times just as we were leaving several different places in Puget Sound. This clog always occurred in the thru hull and the elbow which attaches to it and well before the shutoff valve. None of this stuff even got to the strainer. I found that it was necessary to remove the hose which was attached to a plastic barb which attached to the valve. By the way, I object to the use of a plastic part in this location and have replaced it with a brass one. I also had to remove the valve and the elbow ( street ell ) to get to the clog. This is time consuming, awkward, and difficult and leaves the thru hull without any immediate shutoff valve except the wooden emergency cone. Twice we were adrift as well. It makes me very nervous to be adrift without power and have to go below for the time it takes to clear this problem. My present solution is to use a brass T fitting attached to the thru hull with one remaining outlet up and one to the side. I put the valve into the side and put a brass hose adapter which is covered with a cap onto the top. I can quickly remove the cap and have a straight shot at the thru hull for future cleaning. It has worked for almost an entire season without any problem.Has anyone else had a similar problem? Is there a better solution such as a different seacock or some other better fitting for this purpose. Should I think about installing a larger thru hull at the next haulout? I would rather have something faster such as some kind of three way valve for this purpose since the problem occurs just after we get under way and we have to deal with other issues like navigating, drifting, or anchoring without the use of the engine and things can get out of hand quickly while I am below clearing the thru hull. Another suggestion was to put an air fitting into the plumbing to provide the option of using compressed air to clear the thru hull. Good luck and thanks in advance for your assistance. Patrick
