Stuck Valve

[Sam]

The thru hull valve for the head on my 1990 H30 will not move. Since it isn't legal to have discharge into the water, it isn't in itself a problem. I was wondering if the is a way to free the valve up or just wait until a haulout and replace it.-Sam

 

[Pat Spino]

Stuck thru hull valve

I assume that the valve is ball type; on my 1990 Legend 35.5 ball valves are used. You might try using a light oil or penetrating oil from both inside and out. Let the oil sit for a day then try to "work" the valve free. I was able to free up two such valves using the above method. Be certain to open and close the valves frequently to keep them free. A good way to do that, in addition to safety considerations, is to close all valves when leaving the boat and then opening them upon your return. Such a practice will keep them working properly.If the valve is a "gate" type valve, remove it and replace with a seacock or ball valve. Do the same with any other gate valves on your boat.PS

 

[D. Blatnik]

Replace it

Just had a survey done (since I just bought a boat). Am replacing all the stuck valves -- not to expensive -- with Seacocks, as recommended. One boat yard I talked to said that if the valve is stuck, you will probably have trouble getting it off of the thru hull. They said to just cut it off and replace both at the same time.

 

[Pat Spino]

Cutting thru hull

I would try to remove the valve without cutting the thru hull. It could be a two person job. One inside removing the valve while another is outside, below, preventing the thru hull from turning and thus breaking the seal. If the seal is broken it simply has to be cleand off and rebeddedPS