Seacocks

[bmac]

I've got an '07 44DB. The seacocks are all difficult to open and close, the mains more so than the generator and a/c. I understand that it's recommended to lubricate the seacocks annually, however, the hoses appear to be fairly rigid and not easily removed. Is there a secret to this that I'm missing? I don't see an external lubricating point, is there? How should thiese be lubricated and with what? Thanks in advance.

:huh:

 

[Four Suns]

You need to go in the bilge and exercise your sea cocks on a regular basis and it'll get easier.

 

[fwebster]

Yes, there is a very easy way.

I posted it a couple of times so try searching for it. If you can't find it, PM me and I"ll give you a step by step.

 

[RiverGalsMan]

BMAC, I had the same experience and I mentioned it to the mechanic. He said something about them being pretty tight when new. I don't know how he fixed it, but they're pretty smooth, now.

 

[tawcat]

Well I was checking strainers on mine, went to turn the starboard seacock handle and the darn thing broke off. Luckily it broke before it turned. So its still open, but its gonna have to be replaced next time the boat is pulled out of the water.

 

[tobnpr]

Depends on what you have. The OEM seacocks that were on the boat when I purchased it would not seal completely when shut and they could have been rebuilt and lubricated. I opted because of their age to replace. The Groco FBV seacocks I replaced them with are maintenance free. As was said you need to exercise them frequently. I would check the manufacturer's website for maintenance instructions, if any.

 

[Sorrento 25]

I used to have a seacock back in WI, and it seemed to work well when I was down in the bilge playing around with it, but since I couldn't use it in WI I removed it and sealed the hole up. Now that I'm in FL I wish I had it back.

 

[Four Suns]

Once you remove your seacock, it's pretty hard to put the same one back on...

Why don't you guys use your seacocks in WI? I thought with the cold winters and all, you would use them more...

That's a pretty common thing around here to leave your seacock in the upright position for days and days on end and then when the water gets too cold and freezes the hose breaks.

I would think the old farts in Florida are the ones that don't need seacocks...

 

[hack4alivin]

Yes, there is a very easy way.

I posted it a couple of times so try searching for it. If you can't find it, PM me and I"ll give you a step by step.

I have been searching for this post as well. The ones on my A/C and generator are not too bad, I will clean my strainers several times during the season so I will “exercise” them, but not as often as Gary suggest. The ones for the engines are a bear. I usually start them by tapping on the handle with a rubber mallet. Once started, then I can move it by hand.

Still my manual recommends lubrication once a season.

 

[Sorrento 25]

Once you remove your seacock, it's pretty hard to put the same one back on...

Why don't you guys use your seacocks in WI? I thought with the cold winters and all, you would use them more...

That's a pretty common thing around here to leave your seacock in the upright position for days and days on end and then when the water gets too cold and freezes the hose breaks.

I would think the old farts in Florida are the ones that don't need seacocks...

Yeah, well I don't even have it I tossed it out like an idiot. I should have at least Ebayed it, and I know a new one is pricey. But even if I had a new one in my hand I don't know if I could bring myself to open that hole back up to reinstall it. I doubt it would be as good as the original, and it might even leak. I know you need to get away from shore a ways before you can stand it up and discharge anyway...

 

[SeaHarley]

I took out the drain plug. Put in a SS grease fitting.
Teflon 2 - 4 - C
Wala

 

[Skuza]

Stiff seacock here too...

 

[Vince_nj1]

I often find my seacock stiff in the morning.

When that happens I usually ask my wife for help. Some times she helps and sometimes she just tells me to go get a wench.

 

[NorCal Boater]

You guys need to quit jerkin' around with your seacocks. This is serious.

 

[Sorrento 25]

I've given my seacock situation some serious thought and discussed it with the admiral. There is lot to expore here and I'd probaby be able to get far enough from home on occassion to use it if I was that daring, in consideration of all the issues I am seeing here with stiff seacocks we decided to not replace mine and just get pumped out as needed.

 

[bmac]

Thanks to all who replied. Although exercising my seacocks will surely help, they need to be lubricated as well, which was the original question I posed. For a detailed suggestion on how best to accomplish that I resorted to a PM and got what I needed. As much as I really enjoy the Holding Tank type banter I really just needed a boating type answer. Thanks all.....sorry for the interruption.....we now return to our normal programming.

 

[Hampton]

Thanks to all who replied. Although exercising my seacocks will surely help, they need to be lubricated as well, which was the original question I posed. For a detailed suggestion on how best to accomplish that I resorted to a PM and got what I needed. As much as I really enjoy the Holding Tank type banter I really just needed a boating type answer. Thanks all.....sorry for the interruption.....we now return to our normal programming.

BMAC,

Could you share your new found info for the rest of us? Thanks, from one of the many seacocks that hang out here.

 

[Sorrento 25]

I'll respect your privacy if you don't want to post that info publicly. If I ever find myself with a stiff seacock that can't be worked free without lubrication I'll PM you for the info.

 

[Hampton]

I'll respect your privacy if you don't want to post that info publicly. If I ever find myself with a stiff seacock that can't be worked free without lubrication I'll PM you for the info.

: )

 

[bmac]

I'll respect your privacy if you don't want to post that info publicly. If I ever find myself with a stiff seacock that can't be worked free without lubrication I'll PM you for the info.

Michael

I thought you had your seacock removed??:huh::wow: You must have one of those special inflatable ones to still make it stiff.:smt043