[JSK]

I've been going through some general maintenance items on the 1990 3100 Open. Tuned up he 502's, set the idles up to about 700 RPMs and they are running great. Raising the rpm's really quieted down the transmissions shifting in and out of gear.
The vaccuflush wasn't holding a vacuum so I took he inlet side off, cleaned fittings, lubed the O ring put everything back together and it works great.
The Espar diesel heater wasn't working so I dug into to that next. The glow plug was getting hot, fuel pump was working back at the tank but the unit wouldn't light off. It wasn't getting fuel to the unit only air in the line. After cycling it on a half dozen times I could see fuel finally getting to he unit and shortly after it lit up. It really puts out and heats up the cabin quickly.
The ball valves on the engine inlets were frozen. I was able to free them with a heat gun and PB Blaster. The handles are rusted and need to be changed. Since the boat is in the water I need to be real careful with them. I don't want to break the nuts off removing the handles. I might wait to change the handles but might wait until I pull the boat for bottom paint and zinc change. Any thoughts or ideas on that?

[Chris Burkard]

Be real careful removing the sea-cock handles. If you break one, it will be unsafe to operate the vessel away from the marina as you will not be able to shut off the intake should you have an emergency. If the shafts, nuts and handles are that corroded, you may want to think about replacing the intakes for safety reasons.

Tip - Whenever you remove or replace main sea-water hoses and clamps, never reuse the clamps, always buy new ones. Tightening can stretch the clamp. Each time they are removed, they become weaker and eventually can fail. Clamps are cheap and just like gaskets, they should be replaced when service occurs.

[Dazzle]

I had the same issue on our 1987 3100 open. I used a nut splitter to get the nut off. The threads were fine so we just replaced the handles and nuts.

Good tip on replacing the clamps... toss the old clamps, or at least mark them as used so they will not find their way back into service at a critical location.

Gary

[Uhehner]

I replaced the sea cocks for the engines and holding tank discharge. Replacement handles were hard to find and the yard charges to replace the whole valve with stainless levers was minimal. The A/C, generator and saltwater wash down valves were OK. I keep a piece of PVC pipe next to the seacocks for added leverage on the handles. 36 Convertible. Capt. George

[JSK]

Appreciate all the good info. I think I'll wait on the seacocks until I pull the boat for bottom and zinc work. I plan on pulling the boat in March. Yes good tip on the hose clamps. Thanks