Flange-type seacocks

[tgalea]

Hi All,

As usual resorting to this forum for some valueable help.

I have two very old flange-type seacocks which are used for the toilet. Brand seems to be "ROWE" but haven't been able to trace them.

This year i removed them completly and am attempting to overhaul them. The problem originally started from them being completly ceased and drip leaking whcih i wasn't too happy with.

Any suggestions ? Local chandlers seem to have the normal ball-valve types ? Would you suggest a replacement to ball-valve sea cocks or not ?

Any help woudl be appreicated

Regards
Tyrone galea

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[Cactus]

Are these the cone type valves? I have one of those on the throne, it's been going for 20 years now without problems. Every year, the old boy has taken it apart, cleaned it and reset it by applying a little Brasso and turning back and forth until a tight fight. Keeps the water out..

There must be a more technical term??



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[stephenh]

If they are 'cone' type then use valve grinding paste ( 1st coarse then fine) to reseat them.
Don't forget to wash every single grain of paste off with paraffin before you reinstall!!

A smear of waterpump grease and you're away...

Stephen

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[tgalea]

Yes they are the cone type ones. What is Brasso ?

I cleaned them with white spirit and reapplied marine grade grease which got them to loosen up but when I started tightenening slowly it just became hard again.

Thanks
Tyrone

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[Cactus]

Brasso is basically a metal polish, but it does act as a very slight grinding paste. I just put it on, put the value back together and turned back and forth. Do this a few times until you start to see a slight scoring, or rings, on the inside of the valve, then you know you're getting a good seal.

Dont, as I did, drop the screws into the bilges - it stinks down there!


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[tgalea]

Ok fine. Will try to do so. So you woudn't suggest replacing them with the ball-type valves ?

Last question... should i use stainless steel bolts for installing back to hull or brass ones ?

Thanks again
Tyrone.


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[Cactus]

Replace them if you want, it's your cash!

Dunno about stainless steel bolts, maybe someone who knows what they are talking about could help!


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[tillergirl]

Neither - don't use stainless steel under the waterline as it needs oxygen to retain its coating and therefore might suffer crevice corrosion. Brass will dezinctify in contact with salt water - use bronze, silicon bronze - try Anglia Stainless who do true bronze fastenings - don't use manganese bronze - its title is a deception, is really brass!

If you've got proper seacocks, which it sounds like you have, don't change them unless they are in a bad state, they are much better than ball valves. What they need once sorted, is a gentle clean every year and a smear of seacock grease and you will never have any problems. They aren't fitted nowadays because of their cost but they are a superior product.

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