Wheezing air horn

[rafiki_]

Any thoughts on how to return Rafiki's air horn to a good Parp? It was quite wheezy when we bought her, but blowing out the water in the air line gave a strong Parp. I have done the same, but no improvement. Over to the forum please?

 

[Divemaster1]

Two things;

Corroded membrane - dismantle and clean, then re-assemble
Corroded compressor "wings" open, clean and oil (centrifugal forces open the wings and thus forces air through not unlike an impeller.. if they do not expand/open, you won't get air pressure through to horn)

 

[rafiki_]

Thanks Alf. Will investigate when I am next on board. The compressor makes quite a lot of noise. I have no idea if that is new, as you are not aware of the noise on the flybridge.

 

[boatingdave]

Hi Rafiki - if there was water in there when you bought the boat the possibility of the diaphragm being corroded is reasonably high and they are rarely salvagable. However, I would suggest oiling the compressor first (the oil acts as both a lubricant and seal just like in a combustion engine and should be done regularly). Its possible there is too much leakage past the compressor veins so insufficient pressure. Happens to the best of us as we get older lol.....

 

[rafiki_]

Hi Rafiki - if there was water in there when you bought the boat the possibility of the diaphragm being corroded is reasonably high and they are rarely salvagable. However, I would suggest oiling the compressor first (the oil acts as both a lubricant and seal just like in a combustion engine and should be done regularly). Its possible there is too much leakage past the compressor veins so insufficient pressure. Happens to the best of us as we get older lol.....

There is an oil reservoir that feeds the compressor. No sign of dribbling yet (unlike some of us oldies), but will check.

 

[boatingdave]

There is an oil reservoir that feeds the compressor. No sign of dribbling yet (unlike some of us oldies), but will check.

He he. Hopefully something simple.

I was having a chat with Athena last week - you'll have to give me the low down on the new mooring sometime - we are looking for something in the next couple of years to give us new grounds to explore. Mike loves it where he is. We'll chat on something slightly less public sometime. Hopefully you will have resolved your diminishing horn issue lol....

Dave

 

[CharlieAlpha]

Any thoughts on how to return Rafiki's air horn to a good Parp? It was quite wheezy when we bought her, but blowing out the water in the air line gave a strong Parp. I have done the same, but no improvement. Over to the forum please?

Permission granted you know you really want to get a pair of Kahlenberg's

 

[rafiki_]

Yep, love it where we are. Dave, happy to chat, so PM your contact details, and we can catch up.