Engine cooling water inlet
The skinfitting was removed from hull, all parts dismantled, cleaned and re-fitted prior to launch in spring 2012. All parts appeared to be Brass, not DZR or Bronze. However, the skinfitting with strainer seems to be better quality metal than the other parts.
The skinfitting appears identical to a "Scoop Oval Intake Strainer 1" BSP Brass" sold byASAP Supplies. and is in perfect condition. No signs of de-zincification were visible.
The 1" brass Ball valve shows no signs of dezincification on the body and the chromed ball appeared in as new condition with a smooth movement.
The 1" brass hose tail was in good condition with only a minor surface "bloom" of de-zincification on a small part of the thread. The inside part showed no sign of any discolouration
Both the 1" nut & washer both in excellent condition with no sign of any discolouration on the washer and only very slight signs on parts of nut threads
Due to the excellent condition of all parts I decided to refit them and carry out annual visual inspection after removing the inlet hose. That will trigger a complete inspection if any deterioration is noticed.
Replacement procedure
- Bed the skin-fitting to the hull exterior with Sika-flex and tighten relatively lightly
- Tighten more fully after 5-6 hours
- Return several days, loosen nut, apply some PTFE tape and push more sika-fkex into the recess underneath the washer
- Re-tighten nut fully (outer scoop braced against turning with a 36" pipe wrench
- Spin on a new additional brass locking nut purchased to make alignment easier the ball valve correcty.
- Wind tail pipe and skin fitting threads with PTFE tape
- Use Rocol Oilseal around the joint faces and last few threads to ensure a water tight seal
- Tighten hose tail fully and spin valve down until close to tight and adjust to position for easiest opening/closing.
- Use a new locking nut to hold valve in correct position
- Connect water pipe and clamp with 2 clamps
