Seacock maintance

[Capt.Frank]

I have a seacock that is stiff. Its a groco type and I think you can get a rebuild kit. Besides spraying luberciant into it and working it back and forth. Is there anything else to do? Can I get a rebuild kit and replace the ball valve? or do I need to replace the thrhull? Hauling out in a couple of weeks trying to get everything ready.

[Charlie J]

frank when its out of the water, take the hose off, and spray some corrosion x inside
work it back and forth, if that dosent do it you should be able to un screw it and put
another one on, with out replacing the thru hull

[Yannis]

We had the same question here, and my mechanic suggested to spray WD40 from underneath while somebody else pivots the handle from above. When it starts loosening, spray it with vaseline spray and work it until it loosens completely. I haven't tried it yet, but it could be interesting to see if somebody tries it before me what the result is.

[Yannis]

Sorry,I think I meant silicone spray instead of vaseline spray.

[Bruce]

www.groco.net/SVC-MAN-07/Sec4/PDF/SSC.pdf‎

Some have the strainer attached, some not if this is your style. Some can be taken apart, some not.
A specific model or pic would help narrow it down.

[Bob H.]

The best maintenance for a seacock is to shut it off when you leave the boat..like an e brake you never use, when u need it its frozen up with corosion..BH

[Capt.Frank]

If it doesn't rain all weekend I try to get a pic. I know it has the heavy bronze handle not the flat pice of SS like some others. Was just wondering if lubercating realy helped loosen them up? or if any one has taken one apart and replaced the ball valve.

Bruce, I have never seen the T fitting to use on regular thru hull.

Thanks

[John F.]

Frank-

When I got Crows Nest, some of the seacocks were pretty tight, and some were pretty much stuck. I put alot of Corrosion X on them, let it do its thing, worked them back and forth once they loosened up, and they're back to normal. Good luck.

John

[Capt.Frank]

Thanks John that's what I wanted to hear.

[Harry Woods]

It is a good idea to keep an Emergency Wood Plug Set ($12 at Defender) in case all else fails. They range from 1/2 to 2 inches and the taper allows you to set them in place with a hammer while you find a better solution. Nothing beats preventive maintenance. However, sometime the marine environment throws you a curve.
Harry

[Charlie J]

harry had to use my wooden plugs last week for a boat taking on water at the marina
they saved the boat

[Harry Woods]

Charlie,
Best twelve dollars you ever spent. My set of wooden plugs are thirty years old and in the original package. Hope they stay there.
Harry