Depth Sounder Transducers

[davidmh]

I have had intermittent trouble with the echo sounder readings and have now traced it to the transducer oil pot, The pot was virtually empty so that there was an air gap under the transducer head. Having refilled it with oil all is now well. Once I have cleaned up the split oil and emptied the pot I need to try and trace the leak, I was thinking of filling the pot with water to see if I can trace the leak, water will easier to remove than oil to give a clean surface for repairs . The pots have never been topped up for 20 years so the leak could be small. Any other suggestions as to how to trace the leak?
What would the forum suggest for resealing the joint between the GRP hull and the oil pot tube ( standard PVC type tube).
Access is difficult so I will probably have to manually abrade the surface with abrasive paper.
Overall the joint looks good, it has been enclosed in a wooden box to prevent it being damaged by stuff moving in the locker.
I would welcome your suggestions,

David MH

 

[Spirit (of Glenans)]

Blue paper towels are an excellent medium for tracing very small leaks.

 

[Stemar]

Another possibility would be talcum powder - or any other insoluble powder. Clean up, dry and scatter the powder around. When you come back, blow it away. Where it doesn't move is where the problem is.

 

[doug748]

I would be tempted to clean as best you can, dry and then pour a small but adequate quantity of epoxy resin into the tube. This should settle plumb and bung up the leak. Note he quantity of fluid needed to then immerse the transducer would be quite small.
There is no need to use oil, I use water with a bit of anti freeze; this does need checking more frequently but is simple and clean. I have found little loss by evaporation in 5 years.

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