Marelon seacock maintenance

[bcooke]

Just thought I would pass along a tidbit I got from a Forespar techie yesterday (answered me by email in the middle of the night surprisingly).

I was asking about their preferred lubricant and got this response:

You can use any type of waterproof grease you would like to use. Just do not use a spray type as the propellants in the can will cause the o-rings and seals to swell up and your only recourse after that is to completely replace the valve.

That bit about the spray lubricant was interesting.

[Oscar]

I had nine marelon seacocks on LKIII. The way I maintained them was to use them. Anytime I left the boat ALL were closed. Underway only those in use were opened, for as long as needed. I knew where all were in the dark, and there was nothing in the spaces to obstruct access, or worse, get banged around and damage them. The only exception to this rule was bags of tortilla chips or similar soft materials. They turned smoothly, never used a lubricant.

[s/v Faith]

It IS possible to wear them out. I have marelon for my head sea cocks (proper cocks). I and my wife open and close them each time we use the head, and never used anything special other then a little vegetable oil (for the leather in the pump).

After 5 years of regular use, the discharge (1.5") will allow water to seep in and fill the bowl. We have to check it and re-check it each time we use it... it only leaks when fully closed. If we leave the handle 1/2" shy of closed it seals ok. I suspect that the ball became worn with regular use and sea life that ground the plastic slightly each time the valve was opened.