"In hull" Transducer

[petem]

I have an "In hull" Transducer for depth and it keeps (slowly) losing the fluid that's inside it. I can't see any sign of leaks. Am I correct in thinking that it can be filled with silicon which will obviously set and not leak?

 

[ST840]

When I’ve had transducers mounted in the bilge, Ive just stuck them to the floor with silicone and they have always worked fine !

 

[mlines]

I spent forever trying to re-seal an oil filled transducer mount, including filling with sealant. Gave up in the end.

Far easier to purchase a replacement "transom" mount style transducer and use sealant to glue it to the hull inside the bilge, perfect!

 

[Mike k]

I have an "In hull" Transducer for depth and it keeps (slowly) losing the fluid that's inside it. I can't see any sign of leaks. Am I correct in thinking that it can be filled with silicon which will obviously set and not leak?

I have used propylene glycol with my Airmar P79- don't think it hardens and no probs so far after 4 years

 

[MapisM]

Am I correct in thinking that it can be filled with silicon which will obviously set and not leak?

No you aren't, theoretically: I spoke with several Raymarine installers, and all of them advised against that.
There's a big BUT though: that's exactly what I did 2 years ago with my Airmar P79 (which more than likely is the same transducer that you've also got), for the same reasons as yours.
And so far, so good. If there's any negative impact on the signal vs. oil, it's marginal enough to be totally unnoticeable.
Still, according to those installers, I was just lucky. So, the YMMV warning applies!

 

[petem]

I have used propylene glycol with my Airmar P79- don't think it hardens and no probs so far after 4 years

Yup, I dutifully bought a bottle of propylene glycol from eBay and that made no difference (other than making me £3 poorer).

I think the only real solution is to remove, clean and reseat it. Will report back once done.

 

[spannerman]

No you aren't, theoretically: I spoke with several Raymarine installers, and all of them advised against that.
There's a big BUT though: that's exactly what I did 2 years ago with my Airmar P79 (which more than likely is the same transducer that you've also got), for the same reasons as yours.
And so far, so good. If there's any negative impact on the signal vs. oil, it's marginal enough to be totally unnoticeable.
Still, according to those installers, I was just lucky. So, the YMMV warning applies!

+++111 I can confirm as a certified Raymarine installer silicone is not recommended as it works a shock absorber, if you understand how a transducer works it has a hammer which taps on the casing generating a sound wave or cilck which transmits through the hull, putting a soft medium such as silicone between them reduces the sound transmission and reception when the sound waves returns. The best is either two component epoxy filler or an oil filled bath.