[C320-list] MARELON SEACOCK LUBRICATION

[Jeff Hare]

I didn't ask Forespar, but I heard that you should avoid anything that contains Silicone or other chems that might cause the seals to swell. Sure would be good to know whether that's true. 

I think i also used waterproof Teflon based grease in the past with seemingly good results.

All that said, these valves have always seemed *very* stiff to operate so maybe don't be expecting silky smooth easy operation.

Maybe current valve models may be different?
-jeff 

"Robert E. Sloat" <resloat at comcast.net> wrote:

I have used a white grease with Teflon (it has use on food equipment 
approval so I assume it will not harm the plastic thru hulls) on all my thru 
hulls for 10 seasons and they all work fairly easily. Even the macerator 
thru hull which is locked shut here on Lake Michigan works fairly good once 
a year when it is lubricated. In the spring when on the tarmac, I close all 
the thru hulls dab the white grease on the closed ball valve like Jeff does 
then go inside and work each valve open and closed about 10 times. Then I 
open all the valves and rub grease above the valve ball and rub it around, 
then back in the boat and another round of opening and closing of all 
valves. A fairly large artist oil brush that fits through the thru hull is 
what I use.

For next near the plan is to use Teflon grease in a spray can just purchased 
to lubricate the thru hulls. It has a small tube that will allow injection 
of grease on and above the ball. The grease thickens after is comes out of 
the spray can so it looks like this will be another way to lubricate the 
valves. Closing the valves part way to leave enough room for the spray tube 
to pass through, then injecting grease above the ball is an option. 
Hopefully, enough grease will end up on the top of the ball so the top will 
be lubricated.

Bob Sloat
Savannah 894 (2002)
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jeff Hare" <catalina at thehares.com>
To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Sent: Sunday, September 11, 2011 9:33 AM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] MARELON SEACOCK LUBRICATION


I have always used Lanocote. Forespar also lists this as the lube for 
Marelon valves. I called Forespar tech support last spring to ask about 
changing the configuration of the valves in the head and asked this question 
about lube. They said a little Lanocote but mostly just to use them 
regularly.

I just use a glue brush with the thruhull closed and work it slowly for a 
few minutes. The more you use them the better they work.

If you warm up the lanocote it will cover well, then thickens up and doesn't 
wash out easily.

-jeff.

JJ Morrison <sail-ability at sympatico.ca> wrote:


Anyone recommend a lubricant for these thruhulls? Mine are getting a bit 
stiff.
Thanks and cheers
JohnM
1999 #574