|
|
From: (no name) (no email)
Date: Wed Aug 18 1999 - 14:06:06 EDT
You have not said what kind of seacocks are involved. Bronze taper plugs,
teflon, stainless ball, plastic? I will assume bronze though as these are
most prone to sticking.
As hindsight advice, it is necessary to cycle seacocks periodically to keep
them free. Once a month is not too often.
I assume the boat is in the water. If so, have your contingency plans
(including an emergency haulout available) in place before getting too
aggressive. At least have soft wood taper plugs ready if the casting should
shatter.
If they are the old style bronze taper plugs, remove the cover plates and
handles, and put a really big (long handle) box wrench on the square handle
stub and try more leverage (carefully). You might also try carefully
applying heat on the through hull body (not the plug). Start with a heat gun
and work up to a torch. Again, think through the fire hazards first. Don't
torch an oily bilge.
I have used these techniques successfuly on our old Swan 36's through hulls.
You might be able to get a puller of some sort attached to the taper plug and
pull it straight out. There will be water in the face if it comes out - be
ready.
If nothing works, it's haulout time.
John Mason
___________________________________________________________________________
|| The Live-Aboard List : send a "subscribe" or "unsubscribe" request ||
|| in body of message to: ||
|