thru hull fitting valves

[gmberkley]

what maintenance/lubrication, if any, is required for the thru hull fitting valves?

thanks

[catalina_mike]

Exercise them regularly. No maintenance to speak of.

[gmberkley]

ok, thanks Mike, no need to spray WD-40 around the exterior of them I guess?

[WillieC]

Green is good. Pink is bad. (Talking bronze fittings.)

[gmberkley]

ok, thanks, I've seen green on my valves, never pink so I guess I'm good

[WillieC]

Green MAY indicate leaking. Check them closely and exercise them regularly.

Then we can talk about bonding…

[gmberkley]

thanks for the advise, I'll be exercising them at least once a week, during my engine check up.

[Pitou]

Exercise is good .. all valves need this.

Consider adding a zerk grease fitting as well in order to lubricate the valve.

If you have Groco seacock valves, which I believe that you do. there are two threaded plugs in the base. Replace one with a zerk, which Groco sells, and you will be in much better maintenance shape.

[gmberkley]

Hi Kevin,
does the attached look correct?

thanks

[gmberkley]

also, any specific type/kind of grease? I'll be going to the boat this afternoon, I'll be looking for the threaded plugs on the valve, I'm hoping if I shut the valve down, I can install the grease fitting, or do I have to do it in the fall when the boat is on the hard?

[Pitou]

I use Groco waterproof grease, but I'm sure that there are others.

Grease with the valve "open" not closed. There is a 2nd plug on the opposite side to be removed while injecting the grease. When grease comes out of the removed plug, the job is done then reinsert the plug.

I've always done this job while on the hard, but if the ball of the valve is in good condition, this can be done in the water. You"ll find out the condition once the plug is removed.

[gmberkley]

In other words, I may find out the hard way.................yikes. I have five seacock valves, do I buy five, and install one on each valve and leave it in place? or do i remove the plug, install the fitting, grease it, and remove it, and put the plug back in?

[Pitou]

In other words, I may find out the hard way.................yikes. I have five seacock valves, do I buy five, and install one on each valve and leave it in place? or do i remove the plug, install the fitting, grease it, and remove it, and put the plug back in?

Install and leave in place. They are NPT threaded.

[gmberkley]

ok, thanks Kevin as always, I'll buy five, and also the grease, last question, does it matter which plug is removed and the grease fitting inserted permanently?

[Pitou]

ok, thanks Kevin as always, I'll buy five, and also the grease, last question, does it matter which plug is removed and the grease fitting inserted permanently?

Remove the one that gives you the best access with the grease gun fitting.