I have a 1 1/2" marelon thru-hull valve on the head discharge that is stuck in the open position. As SF bay is a no discharge zone and I have a holding tank, I would obviously like to close this valve. Recently aquired this boat and a check with the previous owner reveals he did not operate that valve for 3 yrs. Wondering if it is possible to close this valve without breaking it? Read the archive postings on changing the valve while the boat still in the water, but hoping for a better route towards "unsticking" the existing valve. Chris
- Status
If You Don't Get A Response
...you might re-post this on Ask All Sailors in the Shared forum. Reason: I think Catalinas have marelon through hulls and it will pick up that audience. Good luck. Did you try heating it with a hair dryer? Rick D.
...you might re-post this on Ask All Sailors in the Shared forum. Reason: I think Catalinas have marelon through hulls and it will pick up that audience. Good luck. Did you try heating it with a hair dryer? Rick D.
Get in the water.....
Chris: I would get in the water and try cleaning out the valve. It may take totally cleaning the thing out with something sharp. Be very careful with these handles. They are the weak link on these valves. When these valves work they are great, but their weak handles have never made me feel very confident in them. If/when you get it freed up, you may want to try greasing it up with some teflon grease and keep it exercised on a regular basis. PS: if the water is too cold, you can always move the boat up into the delta and do it.
Chris: I would get in the water and try cleaning out the valve. It may take totally cleaning the thing out with something sharp. Be very careful with these handles. They are the weak link on these valves. When these valves work they are great, but their weak handles have never made me feel very confident in them. If/when you get it freed up, you may want to try greasing it up with some teflon grease and keep it exercised on a regular basis. PS: if the water is too cold, you can always move the boat up into the delta and do it.
Stuck Marelon Valve
I would email Forespar, the makers of Marelon valves, and get their opinion and advice. They also make a special lubricant for these valves and you may want to get some. Depending on what Forespar says, I think I would try a couple of things: Most boaters keep soft wood plugs around to tap into a thru hull from the inside if a valve fails. (FWIW, I'm not sure you would know in time to get a plug in place, but that's another issue...). Anyway, you might try getting into the water and tapping the plug into the thru-hull from the OUTSIDE to block it. Then, take the valve off the thru-hull and see if you can lube it from both sides and then gently try to work the handle a bit back and forth. You could also do this if and when you have your boat hauled. If you try this while the boat is in the water, be aware that the soft wood plug in the thru-hull would probably only remain water tight for a short period of time and so you would want to remove it and resinstall the valve as soon as possible. Good luck.
I would email Forespar, the makers of Marelon valves, and get their opinion and advice. They also make a special lubricant for these valves and you may want to get some. Depending on what Forespar says, I think I would try a couple of things: Most boaters keep soft wood plugs around to tap into a thru hull from the inside if a valve fails. (FWIW, I'm not sure you would know in time to get a plug in place, but that's another issue...). Anyway, you might try getting into the water and tapping the plug into the thru-hull from the OUTSIDE to block it. Then, take the valve off the thru-hull and see if you can lube it from both sides and then gently try to work the handle a bit back and forth. You could also do this if and when you have your boat hauled. If you try this while the boat is in the water, be aware that the soft wood plug in the thru-hull would probably only remain water tight for a short period of time and so you would want to remove it and resinstall the valve as soon as possible. Good luck.
I have the same problem with my Hunter 27
My boat is coming out for the season next week. I was hesitant to try and force close it while in the water. I plan on trying to heat the outside of the metal with a propane torch to try and move it. I have hit it with lots of penetrating oil. Any other thoughts on closing this without doing damage?
My boat is coming out for the season next week. I was hesitant to try and force close it while in the water. I plan on trying to heat the outside of the metal with a propane torch to try and move it. I have hit it with lots of penetrating oil. Any other thoughts on closing this without doing damage?
- Status