Cleaning/Refurbing a seacock....

[BarryH]

Ok, so one of the last jobs before I slap on the A/F is to clean and service and reseal the seacock for the bog.
The seacock in question is an old Simpson Lawrance item. Its very similar to a Blakes seacock, seperate flange outside the hull that bolts through.
Question is, it needs a good clean. There is a bit of barnacle growth in the inlet side, along with overpainted A/F and a bit of general crud. Could I soak it in vinegar to dissole the growth etc and clean the rest with a wire brush?

Once done I was looking to use some fine grinding paste to bed the 2 bits together and repack with grease. Do you think this is viable?
Looked at replacing it, but the Blakes jobby is 140 odd quid and theres not enough room behind the bog for the usual skinfitting/ball valve/ elbow pipe tail. Even then using decent fittings is as expensive as a Blakes fitting. Can't find any trace of SL stuff anymore, when did they go out of business?
Your thoughts would be greatly recieved, ta muchly.

 

[Searush]

Presuming it is a traditional tapered bronze cone it shouldn't need much doing to it. Dismantle it & check, provided it isn't badly worn or corroded (pretty unlikely anyway) just clean smear with waterproof grease & reassemble so it is firm but easy to turn. It should remain waterproof & free all seaon. If it weeps just tighten the clamp slightly. It is it corroded or worn grinding paste may help it last a little longer, but start saving up for a replacement.

Vinegar should remove Barney Kulls & any limescale or similar without damaging the bronze.

 

[tillergirl]

I have a Simpson Lawrence pair of sea cocks dating back to 1964 that are still as good as new. Equally as good as Blakes. If it is in good conditiona you would (in my view) be bonkers to replace it with an inferior ball valve. I grease mine once a year and they can be turned by gentle pressure. Grinding paste will clean up the surfaces if necessary. I use Blakes seacock grease which is available from most chandlers and distribute it evenly round the cones. Take out the cones and it should be simple to clean through to remove any crude. You don't say anything about the condition of the seacocks so I assume they are fine. I did remove and check the bronze bolts 20 years ago and they were fine.