Replacing a seacock & drain plug

[zbigk]

I need to replace the forward drain plug & a seacock that is used for the head. They were damaged due to stray electric current. The seacock is original (1982) rubber insert with a T handle.

What's the best way to remove the old one? Once it's out, do I need to replace the plywood it was mounted on? Any other hints would be great.

Thanks,

[Danny Bailey]

The best way to remove the old one is to try to remove the threaded parts holding it in. There may be two bronze carriage bolts and a large retaining nut inside the hull. Soak them down with PB Blaster and wait 2-3 hours for it to loosen the parts. If they still will not screw apart, take your 4 1/2 " angle grinder loaded with 36 grit sandpaper and sand off the bolt heads and through hull flange that are on the outside of the hull. The whole assembly should then tap inside the hull with a hammer and punch. Yes, use new plywood....marine grade or thoroughly dried out pressure treated and install it with plenty of 5200. Use a new bronze through hull and a new bronze seacock with stainless steel ball and stem. Attach it to your boats bonding system if it has one.

[obeejr]

I used regular plywood for a backing plate, but saturated it with epoxy resin. I put it in a couple of years ago, and it still looks new.

Have read others who used starboard for backing plates. If the hull surface that the plate goes up against is fairly flat, it seems like a great ides.

[zbigk]

Obeejr & Danny Baily,

Thanks for the advise. I already started treating with PB blaster and a tap with a hammer every 2 days.

I'll keep you aprised of my progress.

Thanks.