Cracked glass raw water filter cover

[mjkinch1]

I went to clean out my raw water filters after a changed hose, noticing that there were bits of what looks like shell being tossed around when we checked the engines.

I undid the nuts OK,but the glass looked firmly stuck to the seal. On closer inspection the glass was cracked around the rim where the metal ring held it in place, and I got the impression if I tried to lever it out it would break and I would not be able to put them back in one piece.

With the ring on holding themin place the cracks are covered,so there doesnt seem any danger of a leak- but to clean the filters, I suspect the glass will need replacing.

Is this quite common? And if I do it myself over the winter is it saftety glass,or a particular kind and thickness of glass?

Anyone else had the same. You can see the raw water filters at the back in this picture with the metal rims holding the glass in place with two bolts...

 

[DAKA]

Mine look the same.
I think they are plastic not glass ?
Polycarbenate ?

I thought mine was cracked last year and discovered it was just a bit of twine stuck in it, there was no crack.

I hope yours also turns out to be just a bit of debris.

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Hi Martyn, it's usually a perspex cover not glass and it was probably damaged by overtightening the metal ring bolts. IMHO I reckon you want to get that changed asap because the raw water strainers are usually sited below the water line so a leak could be a bit catastrophic. It could be a Vetus unit so, if you're lucky you might get a replacement on the island

 

[Nick_H]

I'll second the "change it quick" suggestion, my cousins boat sank due to a broken inlet pipe on his raw water strainer

 

[duncan]

i'll third it - my boat sank because the rubber o-ring wasn't properly seated when it was put back together after cleaning ...........

 

[mjkinch1]

oh bu@@er - actually for the first time ever I closed off the main cooling seacocks before I left, which I never have before. They are cracks, and it makes sense they are perspex. I am over on the boat next week, any idea where I might get them in the UK for next day delivery to take with me?

ta

 

[duncan]

sorry no - but cracked and contained (by the metal casing) sounds pretty solid to me. they are a faily universal item I would have thought - next day's the problem.

vetus maybe?

asap?

alteratively thick perspex sheeting adn a jigsaw??????

 

[mjkinch1]

I am pretty happy its not going to break (well less happy after reading the comments), it is very solid and the ring is tight with rubber washers,but it seems a good idea just in case. Just searching on the net but cant find anything, Vetus stuff is a lot newer, but I will give Fairline a call and see if they have anything

 

[Kawasaki]

www.volspecmarine.co.uk
www.coastalrides.co.uk
www.keypart.co.uk
Also good sources of bits you may need.
Do it sooner than later Mart

 

[mjkinch1]

Thanks Rich - I will try Saturday and Monday!

 

[D3B]

Nick Seabridge (forumite now too) is also very cheap ....1/3 rd price of Sealine......and seems to get anything.
seabridgemarine.co.uk
i think.