Leaky Raw Water Strainer

[eze2bme]

The port engine (6-71N) raw water strainer (Groco SA-2500) has developed a slight drip. It appears to be coming from the gasket between the glass bowl and the rear metal end cap as it drips from this lowest point. I have ordered a Groco repair kit as I "ASSUME" that the gasket is failing after 27 years. Are there any things to look out for when taking the strainer apart and re-assembling? Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[Capt.Erich]

I've rebuilt a few Perko's and would think the lessons I learned would apply. Make sure that ALL of the old gasket it removed and you have cleaned all the surfaces. I used a motified hobby knife, medium stiffness wire brush, and a mild solvent. Once all the parts a cleaned replace your gaskets. This can be the most tricky part. You have to make sure the alignment is near perfect and the gasket is centered and you tighten everything down evenly. Otherwise you'll end up with leaks. When replacing gaskets, it is also a good time to replace parts that are showing signs of electrolisys.

 

[Nick]

Besides the gaskets for the cylinder, you can change the tie rods that hold the housing together and the cylinder. The rods I have are stainless. I have a variety of spare parts for the Groco strainers. I may also have a spare cylinder and hardware. Let me know if you want the parts and I'll dig out the box. I decided to use Perko's with the hinged lids when I redid the intake plumbing, because it started getting costsly to rebuild both Grocos.

 

[doc g]

I've used muriatic acid to clean these parts . It removes everything in an overnight soak. Be careful with it, ie goggles,rubber gloves etc. It removes all corrosion also. I think you could also use Ospho/phosphoric also............Pat

 

[Genesis]

Muriatic acid is too harsh - phosphoric works well.

The gasket is probably cork and trashed. Remove, clean up, replace. Not a big deal but make sure the seacock closes all the way!

 

[spartonboat1]

re: the cyl, yes you can get a replacement from Groco, esp. if yours has become crazed and no longer functions well as a sight glass. I have done one of mine and will do another in future. Also, prior boat owner was a trucking operation owner and had one of his "mechanics" (the stuff they worked on, that I have fixed...don't ask) replace one of my sight glasses with a piece of pvc pipe...yeesh, so it was good that could get the correct clear cyl. Finally, if yours is an old Groco, you should find a small plastic grommet/washer included in the current kit. The washer is fitted over the center rod and under the "big" wing nut that holds the end cap in place.

Sorry, I'm Groco fan, as they answer the phone and will talk to you.

 

[Boss Lady]

I like the Grocos better also, Paul rebuilt mine since the gaskets were shot and the plastic was crazed and yellowed. Got new strainer baskets too!

 

[eze2bme]

Nick ... thanks ... I can always use spare parts. Please let me know what you have, the condition, any pics and the prices. BTW ... mine are the SA-2500 strainers for 2.5 inch intakes. Email me at eze2bme@aol.com .

 

[thoward]

Depco has the parts as well.

 

[eze2bme]

Depco does indeed have the replacement parts ... however ... the SA-3 repair kit was 25% less at Defender.