[C320-list] Forespar thru-hull

[Rick Sulewski]

Warren, There may be two different variables at work that could lead to
valve open/close resistance after your boat entered the water: 1) the type
of lubricant you are using; and/or 2) the typical critters or other debris
circulating in your region's waters that attaches to the valve ball. Here in
Lake Erie, during the latter portion of my boating season we experience more
silt and algae in the water leading to stiffer valve operation, and 2)
before I switched to winch grease, I found that spray lubricants such as
white grease among others caused the valve seals to swell due to the
propellant, and not necessarily the  viscosity of the lubricant. I now
annually grease all of the valves by placing a glob of winch grease on the
valve ball (and up thru the ball when opened) from the hull side (or if
necessary also on the hose side) using the appropriate length/width of
wooden stick to reach up and/or past the ball, and then work the valve until
it is free and easy to rotate open/close. 
Rick
 

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf
Of Warren Updike
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2015 2:57 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Forespar thru-hull

My raw water thru-hull is very hard to operate, besides being located under
the aft berth. This past spring, I removed the top to access the ball and
thoroughly lubricated it. After reassembling, it worked easily out of the
water. Once in the water, it became hard to operate once again as though I
hadn't bothered to lube it. I've noticed this with the other valves as well.
Out of the water: no problem. In the water: stiff to operate. 

Anyone have ideas or suggestions?

 

Warren and Pattie Updike

1994 C320 "Warr de Mar" #62