Cleaning bronze seacocks

[walt123]

What is the best way to remove the green corrosion that accumulates on thru-hulls and seacocks.

[PalmettoSailor]

Wow, waiting on an answer since 2002 for what has to be a common issue.

Its blowing stink here on the bay and I'd like to get something done today before heading home. Anybody got a suggestion to help me get my stuffing box cleaned up?

[ambianceack]

Typically I use metal polish and elbow grease. For hard to reach spots the dremel works good with a small wire brush. I then polish again and cover with a thin coat of winch grease to prevent further oxidation. It seems to work ok.

[Minnewaska]

Is Lanocote a good option to prevent future corrosion?

[PalmettoSailor]

Originally Posted by ambianceack

Typically I use metal polish and elbow grease. For hard to reach spots the dremel works good with a small wire brush. I then polish again and cover with a thin coat of winch grease to prevent further oxidation. It seems to work ok.

That's exactly what I just finished using, and got about a 90% result. I only had a limited selection of brushes for the Dremel, didn't have a metal bristled tooth brush with me and that's what would have made the difference. I'll raid the gun cleaning kit at home and finish up next weekend.

Great tip on the grease, and I'll do that once I get the threads and toughest green spots off the stuffing box.

If there is secret product to replace elbow grease I'd still be interested. It does require some contortions to get to the stuffing box, so the quicker the job goes, the better.

[CaptainForce]

Why? The oxidized copper patina itself is a barrier to further corrosion. 'take care and joy, Aythya crew

[ambianceack]

It seems if I do not clean the seacocks the oxidation ceases the seacock from opening and closing. Especially, the oxidation at the edges between the drum and housing is the worse, so I have decided to keep the entire seacock clean. I also have grounding wires attached and want to maintain good conduction etc.. I am still learning though...

[Columbia9_6]

to polish metal, stainless, or bronze... start with 1000 grain emery cloth and a light oil. Progress to 2000 grain. You'll use far less elbow grease.

[PalmettoSailor]

Originally Posted by CaptainForce

Why? The oxidized copper patina itself is a barrier to further corrosion. 'take care and joy, Aythya crew

I have marlon seacocks so I probably wouldn't worry if it wasn't affecting the operation. However, a stuffing box though has to be disassembled regularly and I worry about parts seizing if I don't keep the oxidation at bay. If the threads are damaged it will cause an expensive and difficult repair.

[hanleyclifford]

Don't do it. Just keep the threads viable with WD 40. Back off the lock nut once in a while so you can make adjustments if needed.