My 1994 C320 has non-metal sea cocks. Although they are opened and closed regularly, they have become incredibly stiff. Is there anyway to free them up or lubricate them without hauling the boat out ? My previous boat had brass sea cocks that operated smoothly. Hate to replace them, if I don't have to. Ron
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Lube from above
Ron, with the seacock closed (of course), remove the hose and lubicate from the top. Reattach hoses and work the handles - it should help some.
Ron, with the seacock closed (of course), remove the hose and lubicate from the top. Reattach hoses and work the handles - it should help some.
R
Ron
Question for Pete
Thanks Pete; what do you suggest for a lube product ? Is something like vegetable oil OK ? I sometimes use it in the head to lubricate the pump. Ron
Thanks Pete; what do you suggest for a lube product ? Is something like vegetable oil OK ? I sometimes use it in the head to lubricate the pump. Ron
Marelon
Ron, the seacocks are made of Marelon. I bought the spray lube at West Marine - can't remember the name.
Ron, the seacocks are made of Marelon. I bought the spray lube at West Marine - can't remember the name.
T
Tom S
Forepar recommends Lanacote(waterproof grease)
It'll probably last a lot longer than vegetable oil. This site also tells you how to do the greasing with the boat in the water. http://www.forespar.com/resources/tips/MarelonLube.htm Here is more on Lanacote http://www.forespar.com/resources/tips/Lanocote.htm
It'll probably last a lot longer than vegetable oil. This site also tells you how to do the greasing with the boat in the water. http://www.forespar.com/resources/tips/MarelonLube.htm Here is more on Lanacote http://www.forespar.com/resources/tips/Lanocote.htm
R
Ron
thanks to Tom and Pete
Great information guys. I was getting nowhere locally. I can get it at least half done before haul-out in mid-October Ron
Great information guys. I was getting nowhere locally. I can get it at least half done before haul-out in mid-October Ron
M
Mick
Stiff Seacock Handles
I had to replace nearly all of the original ball valves on my 93 C36 because the handles became very hard to move, and a couple actually broke (usually in the open position). Lubing these valves did not help. The ball valves that have been replaced have never given me any trouble. The last one I replaced was not broken, so I tried to lube it, but it has never become easy to operate. These were all replaced before 1996.
I had to replace nearly all of the original ball valves on my 93 C36 because the handles became very hard to move, and a couple actually broke (usually in the open position). Lubing these valves did not help. The ball valves that have been replaced have never given me any trouble. The last one I replaced was not broken, so I tried to lube it, but it has never become easy to operate. These were all replaced before 1996.
R
Ron
T
Tom
Lanocote
Lanocote is available in a spray can or as a grease in a tub. I recall hearing (on a Catalina email list) about Forespar having an issue with using the spray-version of Lanocote on their Marelon valves. They recommended using the grease-in-a-tub version. Something about solvents that exist in the spray that may cause problems down the road with the seal of the ball in the valve.
Lanocote is available in a spray can or as a grease in a tub. I recall hearing (on a Catalina email list) about Forespar having an issue with using the spray-version of Lanocote on their Marelon valves. They recommended using the grease-in-a-tub version. Something about solvents that exist in the spray that may cause problems down the road with the seal of the ball in the valve.
T
Tom S
Ron I would contact Forepsar about your issues
I recall that they have given some people retro kits for the handles and that might make the stiffness go away also.
I recall that they have given some people retro kits for the handles and that might make the stiffness go away also.
A
agolden
T
Tom S
agolden. Not needed-just needs lubricated
I know many boats, that have many years with Marelon that work fine. I think there was some issues with older types and their handles, which have since been changed in design, but they can last a long long time. Plus its not brass you want but rather high quality marine bronze valves and thruhulls....brass will deteriorate quickly. Also note bronze seacocks can be difficult to turn also if not used and they too need to be lubricated. Many even have a a grease nipple Plus you don't have to worry about losing your boat due to electrolysis of brass valve. Yes its rare, but it does happen and I know of someone that almost lost his boat offshore due to his one and only brass thruhull/seacock
I know many boats, that have many years with Marelon that work fine. I think there was some issues with older types and their handles, which have since been changed in design, but they can last a long long time. Plus its not brass you want but rather high quality marine bronze valves and thruhulls....brass will deteriorate quickly. Also note bronze seacocks can be difficult to turn also if not used and they too need to be lubricated. Many even have a a grease nipple Plus you don't have to worry about losing your boat due to electrolysis of brass valve. Yes its rare, but it does happen and I know of someone that almost lost his boat offshore due to his one and only brass thruhull/seacock
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