Blakes seacock question

[misterjenkins]

I recently noticed that the cones of our blakes seacocks in the head were looking very coppery so decided to regrind the surface.

This has all gone well, but in the process we've noticed some quite heavy pitting in the inside of the seacock body. Two areas that run vertically and two areas that run radially.

Is this normal or a sign that it needs replacing? Would welcome people's thoughts.

 

[Poignard]

That wouldn't worry me.

 

[doug748]

The vertical ones are a feature and designed to hold grease. The radial ones are unusual but don't look like wear. I would give it a clump with a two pound hammer and inspect for cracks. My guess is that it could well be ok.

 

[misterjenkins]

Spoke to Blakes about this, both the horizontal and the vertical channels are an intentional feature and as mentioned above, for grease.

 

[Moodysailor]

Yes, as mentioned they are there to hold grease. It's important to clean those out thoroughly after lapping the valve so that no grinding paste gets trapped and can mix with the grease - this would be a sure-fire way to reduce the lifespan of a blakes. Same goes for the port - make sure all residue of grinding paste is removed after lapping.