O-Rings . . . Your Last Line of Defense

[LakeSuperior]

I just regreased the o-rings on my water and fuel flush deck caps. If these leak you will have sea water in your fresh water and fuel along with addition fresh water from incidental rain.

Take the o-ring off the cap and inspect it for rotting and shredding. Shredding is from tightening dry. Rot can be detected by stretching the o-ring and looking for cracks.

Also, look to make sure the cross-section of the o-ring is not flattened.

Replace as needed. Coat with a thin layer of good silicon o-ring grease to lubricate and to maintain a water proof seal.

I have personally observed many boats where the o-rings are gone, totally rotted, and/or dry.

[Loquat]

Good idea, I haven't looked closely at any of them in a while, will do, today.

[bstreep]

Originally Posted by LakeSuperior

I just regreased the o-rings on my water and fuel flush deck caps. If these leak you will have sea water in your fresh water and fuel along with addition fresh water from incidental rain.

Take the o-ring off the cap and inspect it for rotting and shredding. Shredding is from tightening dry. Rot can be detected by stretching the o-ring and looking for cracks.

Also, look to make sure the cross-section of the o-ring is not flattened.

Replace as needed. Coat with a thin layer of good silicon o-ring grease to lubricate and to maintain a water proof seal.

I have personally observed many boats where the o-rings are gone, totally rotted, and/or dry.

Every time I do this, I run around the marina to friends along with my pile of o rings and tub of silicone grease, asking them to do the check theirs. It takes all of 2 minutes to replace them all.

[Acedude]

My buddies boat... we are constantly tightening the stuffing box (once a month) because he won't re-pack it! It is a nuisance to change sure... but we are doing more damage at this point and pretty soon no amount of tightening will stop the water....

[Matt sachs]

I'm going to mount the water and fuel ports on a verticle surface about a foot off the deck. I think will help to eliminate contamination. I'll let you know how it works out. .....and maintain the O rings.

[sdowney717]

I have a bronze perko flush mount for the water missing its o ring, what size does it take?
This has a screw cap that requires that peg key.

[bstreep]

Originally Posted by sdowney717

I have a bronze perko flush mount for the water missing its o ring, what size does it take?
This has a screw cap that requires that peg key.

Go to Harbor Freight (or similar discount tool place) and buy the whole box of o rings. They are great to have on hand. About 10 or 15 of each size, about 20-30 different sizes.

[LakeSuperior]

Originally Posted by bstreep

Every time I do this, I run around the marina to friends along with my pile of o rings and tub of silicone grease, asking them to do the check theirs. It takes all of 2 minutes to replace them all.

I'll bet this gets you a free adult beverage every now and then!!!

[LakeSuperior]

Originally Posted by Matt sachs

I'm going to mount the water and fuel ports on a verticle surface about a foot off the deck. I think will help to eliminate contamination. I'll let you know how it works out. .....and maintain the O rings.

I would carefully consider this plan because, for example, fuel could spill back on the deck while filling. Your car fill is angled down to prevent this.

Also, extra bends along the path to the tank cause difficulties while filling. You will need an extra 90 degree turn in the fill tubing.

Just a thought here as I have problems with several tanks because of the path required to get to them from the fill port.

[S/V Alchemy]

Originally Posted by bstreep

Go to Harbor Freight (or similar discount tool place) and buy the whole box of o rings. They are great to have on hand. About 10 or 15 of each size, about 20-30 different sizes.

I concur. Cheap insurance and I'm always finding uses for them.

I use white lithium grease, but I'm in fresh water. I also very lightly grease the threads of the fill cap as it allows people with a little less forearm strength than me to get the thing off again....