Seacoks again!

[jusw]

I know this is a regular subject and I also know I should close the seacocks each time I leave Treble C on a mooring - but I'm naturally lazy and some may say careless.

Sooo - The seacock on the discharge side of the heads is seized - I can move it a fraction, but even though I'm spraying WD40 up the outlet, I'm not getting any joy.

the valve looks pretty new and is a ball valve - I can't see any make.

I think I need to take it out and try and free it / replace it.

My concern is that it looks like the sealant used on the threads of the skin fitting was some form of liquid - not PTFE tape.

Does this come apart easily or will I have to be careful not to break the skin fitting seal through the hull?

And, assuming I get it off successfully, what sealant would you recommend for the threads on replacement?

JuSw

 

[graham]

I used PTFE tape when screwing on n ew ballvbalves .Doesnt leak a drop.I used about 5 layers.You must wrap it on in a clockwise direction so when you screw the valve on the turning tightens the thread tape into the threads.

The only way you will know how easilly the old ones will come off is by removing them.

Important to check the condition of the skinfittings also.

 

[NorthUp]

You need heat on it- start with boiling water poured over it, then if required move to a hot air gun.
Reseal with PTFE tape.

 

[ghostlymoron]

I removed a faulty ball valve in the boat yard recently and disturbed the skin fitting so I would say you will be lucky if you don't do the same. I now have to refit the skin fitting as well!

 

[Skyva_2]

There may be lugs inside the skin fitting which can be used with a special spanner (step wrench) to stop breaking the seal on the hull, but there is still a risk it will move.

 

[ghostlymoron]

tell me about a step wrench - sounds a useful tool

 

[Skyva_2]

There is picture here:

http://www.diybob.com/diySeacock.htm

But you could make one to suit your skin fitting by cutting a slot in a suitable cheap socket or section of pipe - or maybe a tubular spanner?

 

[Carduelis]

Mine got to the point where it was almost immovable. I could just move the handle a couple of degrees. I tried putting some thin cooking oil down the heads and 'worked' it to and fro. Amazingly it came free almost immediately!

Probably worth a try before you start taking it all apart.

 

[jusw]

Moving the skin fitting is what I'm worried about - the boat is in the yard so its not the end of the world, but my days as a contortionist are coming to an end and the seacock is in the cupboard under the basin in the heads - Its difficult enough just to get your hand to the seacock, let alone work on it - still I can't leave it like it is.

JuSw

 

[jusw]

I'll try the cooking oil - it can't do any harm and like you I can move the valve lever a couple of degrees - maybe lubricating from the inside (heads end) will be more successful than spraying WD40 up through the skin fitting from the outside.

Wish me luck!

JuSw

 

[jusw]

Thanks for the tip - Tried flushing cooking oil and after about five minutes the valve was free - many thanks - saved me a load of effort

JuSW

 

[MrCramp]

Years ago I was happy I could work the lever on a ball cock backwards and forwards. Two years later, out of the water again I had taken the hose off and was doing the same thing.....then I realised I could see the ground outside all the time. The handle was turning nicely, the ball was seized solid in the open position.

Make sure you poke something into the seacock from outside the boat to make sure it is closing properly. I do have wooden bungs tied to each seacock.