Replacing galley gate valves

[VicS]

I had not come across Groco valves before but checking their website they look pretty good. Bronze body, stainless steel ball, grease nipple. If anyone imports them at the price you quote I would have them.
But otherwise, as has been said, DZR easily obtainable, not expensive and excellent performance.

The ones sold by Marine Super Store have chromium plated brass balls
https://www.marinesuperstore.com/plumbing-fittings/ball-valve/groco-bronze-in-line-ball-valve
.

 

[vyv_cox]

The ones sold by Marine Super Store have chromium plated brass balls
https://www.marinesuperstore.com/plumbing-fittings/ball-valve/groco-bronze-in-line-ball-valve
.

Very strange. I referred to the USA website and looked at their flanged range BV series as an example. They definitely have stainless steel balls.
www.groco.net

 

[LittleSister]

Has anyone ever had a brass ball fail?

I've only heard of ball valves seizing (presumably after long period of not being worked - I've had them get very stiff like so) or the shaft breaking (presumably after ball seizing) so the lever moves but doesn't turn the valve.

 

[vyv_cox]

Has anyone ever had a brass ball fail?

I've only heard of ball valves seizing (presumably after long period of not being worked - I've had them get very stiff like so) or the shaft breaking (presumably after ball seizing) so the lever moves but doesn't turn the valve.

Yes, many times. After a while in seawater the chromium plating pits, allowing water to reach the brass. The result is corrosion product that adds considerably to the friction.
At the same time the stem, also brass, dezincifies, weakens, can no longer transmit power to the ball, and snaps.

Brasses and bronzes