Substitute for prop glyol in transduer

[howardyoube]

Hi I'm currently in Roatan and am installing a AIRMAR transducer to link up to my Raymarine E7 plotter. It requires 71ml (2.4fl oz ) of prop glycol to fill the base. Am not sure if it available here so want to know if there is anything else I could use as a substitute. Will try a chemist tomorrow. Thanks

[CarlF]

I don't have any expert knowledge, but I would think water would be fine as long as you aren't planning to freeze it -which doesn't seem like a big risk in your current cruising area.

[HappyMdRSailor]

No source of auto/marine antifreeze there???? Check the label....

[Lake-Effect]

I've used just water in our chamber for an AIRMAR depth transducer for the last 7 years. Beats holing the hull. Being in Canada I have to remember to drain it every fall. Gotta get that antifreeze...

Fresh water should be fine, as long as you remember to replace it before you encounter freezing conditions.

[goboatingnow]

Light motor oil works fine as does olive oil

Dave

[colemj]

As does mineral oil. Olive oil will oxidize and get sticky and stinky over time.

Mark

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by colemj

As does mineral oil. Olive oil will oxidize and get sticky and stinky over time.

Mark

Yes but works well in a push !

Dave

[HappyMdRSailor]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

Yes but works well in a push !

Dave

Plus you can bring a hunk of bread for dipping if you're going to be down there for a while...

[colemj]

If I were going to spend that much time down there, I would fill it with rum.

Mark

[s/v Jedi]

Mineral oil == baby oil -/- perfume

[El Rubio]

Check with a pharmacist. PG It isn't usually on the shelves at drug stores, but many pharmacies keep it- be sure to ask the pharmacist. It's also used to maintain relative humidity in cigar humidors. You might check a cigar shop too.

[tamicatana]

Auto antifreeze (green stuff) is ethylene glycol
RV/marine antifreeze (pink stuff) is propylene glycol

both work as antifreeze, but propylene glycol is less toxic; it's what's used in e-cigarettes, and you might find a source related to that

[jeepbluetj]

Aircraft de-icing fluid is also (generally) propylene glycol, and it's also an ingredient in most water-based 'personal' lubricants.

So maybe fill your transducer up with AstroGlide....

[CarinaPDX]

Try a different approach: if the hull at the mounting location is nearly horizontal then don't bother with the liquid, just put the transducer puck against the hull. For trial installation put a blob of KY jelly (yes, really) on the transducer being careful to not get air bubbles in it. Then press against hull and tape in position. This has actually held up for a few years. A longer term solution is to put the puck down with silicone sealant. The "recommended" way is to use epoxy but that is unnecessary.

Greg

[HappyMdRSailor]

Originally Posted by jeepbluetj

Aircraft de-icing fluid is also (generally) propylene glycol, and it's also an ingredient in most water-based 'personal' lubricants.

So maybe fill your transducer up with AstroGlide....

I'd be afraid of screwing things.... er... up...