Silicon Grease on Watermaker Hoses?

[nhschneider]

When we put our boat on the hard in South Africa, before we left for Southern California, I decommissioned our watermaker as I wanted to go completely through it. Going back with me are six duffle bags of boat parts, including new primary pumps, membranes and a factory-overhauled Clark pump for our watermaker. I'm re-plumbing everything with new hoses and hose clamps.

I have found that I can get hoses to slip onto hose barbs very easily if I apply a very thin swipe of food-grade silicon grease to the inside of the hose but I know that reverse osmosis membranes can be easily damaged if they come in contact with oil or grease. Does anyone know if that also applies to silicon grease?

In the past, I have also coaxed hoses that are being difficult by heating them in boiling water or using a heat gun but neither of these methods work as well as the silicon grease and they also take more time.

What do our resident watermaker experts say about using silicon grease?

Fair winds and calm seas.

[colemj]

Pure silicon grease is fine with watermaker membranes. In fact, the oring assemblies are fitted that way.

Mark

[nhschneider]

Originally Posted by colemj

Pure silicon grease is fine with watermaker membranes. In fact, the oring assemblies are fitted that way.

Mark

Thank you.

[SV THIRD DAY]

Yep....Pure silicone grease will be ok on your water maker lines.
Being so thick, the silicone grease will stay put and not travel down the plumbing to coat the water maker membrane. We supply a small container of silicone grease not to make our hose fittings easier to make.

[jamhass]

I might suggest that you apply the grease to the fitting rather than the hose. That way any excess ends up outside the system rather than inside.

[YPSILANTI]

hi nhschneider, when you re=comission your water maker upon returning to Richards Bay, If you have overlooked any fittings, contacat me and Ill put you in touch with a local manufacturer ( Robin the rain man ) that will be able to assist you with generic fittings . ( Im the cat outside my house near the steel bridge a few meters up from the Zululand Yacht Vlub. ) Rgds mike .

[nhschneider]

Mike-
Thanks for the offer. We probably walk by your place once a day when we're there. Look forward to meeting you.
-Neal