Replacing Seacocks

marleypc · #1 (**permalink**) 12-26-2002

Anyone here have any experience or advice on how to remove old seacocks, i.e., the kind that don''t have a handle, require a tool [channel-lock piers] to turn?
The barrels on some of mine are "wasp-waisted" and no amount of grease seems to keep them from weeping.
Any advice is greatly appreciated. thanks.

thomasstone · #2 (**permalink**) 12-26-2002

I was not able to unscrew mine either. I cut mine off with a metal blade on a reciprocating saw.

Irwin32 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-29-2002

I am not sure what you mean by "wasp wasted". I did replace all of mine on my ''73, which had gated valves. The thing you have to be concerned about is not letting the through hull fitting move as you unthread the old seacock and put the new one on. Thru hulls have opposing ridges on the inside and an assistant can jam a bladed tool in there to hold it fast while the old is unthreaded and the new is installed. There is a special tool designed for this, but a wide bladed screwdriver or something similar will work. I used teflon tape on my threads and have had no leaks whatsoever.

olson34 · #4 (**permalink**) 12-30-2002

I would suggest you surf over to the most excellent Ericsonyachts.com site, and look at this subject, complete with photos, in the Maint. Forum. There are several discussions on seacocks. What brand of boat you sail is unimportant for a project like this...
Fair Winds,
LB