Sea Cock snag

[rafiki_]

I had a new sea cock fitted to the port engine on Rafiki a year ago. This has now just about seized. Could only be opened by removing the handle and getting a long T bar on a socket. Any thoughts on how to free this off? Note the starboard one is original and works fine.

 

[wizzer]

The last one I had go like this it was a boat out job to replace it

 

[Freebee]

Without a picture difficult to suggest a remedy but some valves have a hexagon nut on the shaft which has gland packing underneath if it has backing the nut off a turn or so might slacken it off...

 

[Portofino]

Close it .
Remove the pipe fitting ,being mindful if it’s not fully closed .
Pump it out add brick cleaner or strong HCL acid and agitate it to clean the inside bit .
Rince it off , dry and silicone spray the bearings .
Resemble the pipe and work it a few times .
Alternatively disconnect the pipage at the strainer if it’s at or above the WL to add acid back down to the seacock after pumping out the water .
Then leave it to soak and work the handle .
Repeat until it’s freed off .

Lub the bearings on the handle WD 40 as well from the outside

 

[burgundyben]

I'd buy the replacement parts, including the skin fitting, cock, hose tail, jubilee clips, and hose, some selant, everything you might need, get it all onboard, then book a lift and hold and someone to fit it.

Its not something to defer.

 

[Portofino]

I work my seacocks every month .
The bigger they are the harder they are to move ,or put another way the “mains “ on the engines go the stiffest the quickest , sometimes the handle needing a light tap with a hammer to initiate ( move 1 cm ) a turn .

Left open in the season and closed in the off season .
Replaced in 2015 as the mains on the engines were ceased open when I got the boat and 2002 vintage so I had em all replaced - not worried about wear or corrosion just a Cover Your Arse re an insurance small print issue as the boat needs to be “maintained in a seaworthy condition “ what ever that means ?
Further qualified by “ As any competent person would do “ or wording to that effect .
Anyhow I have a yard bill for new ( 2015 ) cocks .
So far with regular excerise they still move .

 

[superheat6k]

This is why I fitted Forespar Marelon. They include a plug to install in the skin fitting (requires a swim to fit, but a piece of string can be used to remove the plug when done) so the valve can be stripped down with the boat afloat. I also move mine monthly and this does keep the balls cleaner, but I expect fouling where we are will be horrendous this year with the high ambients.

 

[BruceK]

Never used this myself on a seacock but plumbers often use this to free up ball valves. I suppose using it depends on whether you can remove the piping to spray onto the ball or not.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/arctic-products-crack-it-shock-release-spray-n-a/83415

 

[Firefly625]

I had a new sea cock fitted to the port engine on Rafiki a year ago. This has now just about seized. Could only be opened by removing the handle and getting a long T bar on a socket. Any thoughts on how to free this off? Note the starboard one is original and works fine.

I agree with Ben.... and a lot of yards doing summer specials on lift and jet offs so every cloud....

 

[rafiki_]

Not yet mobile, as I still have a raw water pump problem. Awaiting some parts from Sherwood in the States. Hopefully together in a week or annoying thing is the sea cock is just 12 months old from Aquafax. Supposed to have sleeved shaft so will not seize. Grrrrrrr

 

[MedMilo]

Awaiting some parts from Sherwood in the States

Did ASAP Supplies in the UK not have the Sherwood parts? One of the most knowledgeable, helpful and reasonably priced marine suppliers I've ever come across - couldn't recommend them highly enough...

 

[alt]

Did ASAP Supplies in the UK not have the Sherwood parts? One of the most knowledgeable, helpful and reasonably priced marine suppliers I've ever come across - couldn't recommend them highly enough...

So long as something isin't on 'back order'. Not saying I won't use them again, but promise after promise, after promise.... after 3 months (initially told 2 weeks), I gave up on them. Granted, they refunded without issue.

Just make sure they have stock before ordering.

 

[rafiki_]

Did ASAP Supplies in the UK not have the Sherwood parts? One of the most knowledgeable, helpful and reasonably priced marine suppliers I've ever come across - couldn't recommend them highly enough...

Yep, ordered from ASAP, and they have sourced from the States. 14 day delivery.

 

[Firefly625]

Not yet mobile, as I still have a raw water pump problem. Awaiting some parts from Sherwood in the States. Hopefully together in a week or annoying thing is the sea cock is just 12 months old from Aquafax. Supposed to have sleeved shaft so will not seize. Grrrrrrr

should us boaters expect any sort of guarantee which such items...? I think I would be like you Paul and just be ploughing on in getting it fixed, but for a part to fail so quickly which results in a boat lift and expense, that's just not right?!

 

[rafiki_]

should us boaters expect any sort of guarantee which such items...? I think I would be like you Paul and just be ploughing on in getting it fixed, but for a part to fail so quickly which results in a boat lift and expense, that's just not right?!

Agreed James.

 

[superheat6k]

should us boaters expect any sort of guarantee which such items...? I think I would be like you Paul and just be ploughing on in getting it fixed, but for a part to fail so quickly which results in a boat lift and expense, that's just not right?!

Upper Hamble - presently loads of fouling on everything underwater. Paul does not yet know if this is a part failure, or just a build up of fouling inside the valve. There is no way such a seizure could be laid at the door of a parts supplier / maker.

 

[rafiki_]

Upper Hamble - presently loads of fouling on everything underwater. Paul does not yet know if this is a part failure, or just a build up of fouling inside the valve. There is no way such a seizure could be laid at the door of a parts supplier / maker.

Trevor, it was always stiff from the outset.

 

[Firefly625]

so I guess once removed and replaced, after all those costs taken by Paul it will be only then that the seacock can be closely examined. I would add for a seacock to become seized within a short period of time due to a build up of "crud", that is not up to the job its designed for..