what's this bronze fitting with a screw

[LydieBP]

Hello fellow sailors,
I'm still discovering new things in this old, but new to me Westerly sailboat . Would anyone know what is this bronze fitting with a screw and wingnut on the side . It is located towards the back of the bilge? Could it be a seawater strainer check valve ? Thank you all for any clues.

 

[dlochner]

Where does the hose lead? That will give you a good clue. If you are on the hard, take off the top and look inside.

 

[Foswick]

That would be my guess - a raw water strainer. As Dave said, the destination for that reinforced clear tube running off to the right should provide evidence.

 

[Bluescruiser]

If that's a strainer, sure looks small for the application. But one never know, do one?

 

[dlochner]

If that's a strainer, sure looks small for the application. But one never know, do one?

Depends on the application.

 

[dLj]

Dave alluded to it, but I'm putting it more directly - whatever it is don't take the top off if you are in the water.

dj

 

[smokey73]

IF it actually is a strainer or some other fitting that goes directly overboard then reinforced clear tubing should not be used in that application.

 

[Tally Ho]

I also believe it is a strainer, for engine cooling or the head.

And assuming it is below the water-line, it will flood if opened.

There really should be a valve below the strainer….

 

[twodzusfittings]

Is that copper lamp wire being used, I see?

 

[LydieBP]

Dave alluded to it, but I'm putting it more directly - whatever it is don't take the top off if you are in the water.

dj

Yes, sound advice . But since this needs to bd cleaned from time to time , i am searching for the seacock valve to be able to close it.

 

[LydieBP]

IF it actually is a strainer or some other fitting that goes directly overboard then reinforced clear tubing should not be used in that application.

Exactly , the previous owner liked putting food grade clear tubes . Swapping it out for reinforced tubing is on my list. As I said , I'm trying to locate the seacock valve that can close it off if necessary .

 

[LydieBP]

Is that copper lamp wire being used, I see?

yes, it's household wiring. The previous owner liked using household indoor wire. I have replaced some of it but, I always find more ..

 

[dLj]

Yes, sound advice . But since this needs to bd cleaned from time to time , i am searching for the seacock valve to be able to close it.

From the photo sure looks like you don't have one

dj

 

[LydieBP]

I also believe it is a strainer, for engine cooling or the head.

And assuming it is below the water-line, it will flood if opened.

There really should be a valve below the strainer….

Thank you for the tip. I found it in line undee the strainer by getting upside-down view. I measured 34mm around the hexagonal top.

 

[LydieBP]

 

[LydieBP]

oops , uploaded twice. it's completely hidden by the black hose when looking in from above. Thank you to everyone for your help .

 

[Tally Ho]

Glad you are making some progress.
Is the boat in the water? I noticed it doesn’t appear to have a complete drive train…

And a few other questionable items noted in your first photo…

 

[LydieBP]

Glad you are making some progress.
Is the boat in the water? I noticed it doesn’t appear to have a complete drive train…

And a few other questionable items noted in your first photo…

View attachment 231287

It's in the water at my dock . It's missing the transmission and damper plate which are in thd process of being replaced due to 45 years wear. Is it time to repower because parts are getting harder to get in reasonable time-frame ? I would prefer to keep my simple OM636. I find it hard to justify 22K for a new engine, excluding installation and misc. parts .

 

[LydieBP]

The two black wires that have been disconnected and held by their terminals with a zip tie in wait of next step. The hose with two hose clamps and the red household wire will be replaced when the new transmission is installed. The transmission will be installed as soon as I receive the new damper plate from the UK or decide to repower instead . I'm weighing the alternatives right now .

 

[heritage]

I had a Westerly 36 center cockpit with the Mercedes 636 engine. Very few problems with the engine cruising full time for six years. I do remember that strainer. One time we had something that stuck on the outside of the hull blocking the engine raw water intake. Because the strainer was positioned on top of the raw water thru hull , I was able to remove the strainer screen and poke a rod down and clear the obstruction, then quickly close the seacock.