Seacock grease fitting.

[Richard Carlisle]

So I thought I would add grease fittings to tje seacocks. The plugs are 1/8” pipe and currently removed for the winter with valves open. When I removed the plugs a little water came out. If I replace the plugs with grease fittings, does the grease just displace any water? What would the winter procedure be? Are you removing the grease fittings for the winter or just leave them in and open the valves for the winter? Thanks.

 

[ttmott]

So I thought I would add grease fittings to tje seacocks. The plugs are 1/8” pipe and currently removed for the winter with valves open. When I removed the plugs a little water came out. If I replace the plugs with grease fittings, does the grease just displace any water? What would the winter procedure be? Are you removing the grease fittings for the winter or just leave them in and open the valves for the winter? Thanks.

The valves in the open position will lock up the water in that cavity where the drain plug was and potentially damage the valve in freezing conditions. Your best bet is to leave the valve 50% open that way the port will be somewhat open to both.

 

[Skybolt]

The valves in the open position will lock up the water in that cavity where the drain plug was and potentially damage the valve in freezing conditions. Your best bet is to leave the valve 50% open that way the port will be somewhat open to both.

But in states that have freezing conditions the vales need to be closed, and usually close while air is being blown through them.

I just blow air in those plugs to evacuate any standing water. I am not sure having grease in there is going to help anything. But a good question.

 

[km1125]

Once they're EMPTY of water, the grease will fill the cavity so that it won't refill with water. Or at least won't fill any significant amount with water. If you're not going to fill them with grease, then you should operate them from one extreme to the other when out of the water, or when air in blown through them so that the water trapped in there can be released.

This is the same with ball valves as it is with gate valves, except you can't fill the cavity with grease in a gate valve.

 

[ttmott]

Once they're EMPTY of water, the grease will fill the cavity so that it won't refill with water. Or at least won't fill any significant amount with water. If you're not going to fill them with grease, then you should operate them from one extreme to the other when out of the water, or when air in blown through them so that the water trapped in there can be released.

This is the same with ball valves as it is with gate valves, except you can't fill the cavity with grease in a gate valve.

And, don't pump grease in the cavity when the valve is CLOSED or you will fill the valve port up and grease will get all through the cooling system.

 

[ttmott]

But in states that have freezing conditions the vales need to be closed, and usually close while air is being blown through them.

I just blow air in those plugs to evacuate any standing water. I am not sure having grease in there is going to help anything. But a good question.

Orlando - I have grease fittings and filled the cavity with Metalube. Over time I have noticed the valves become easier and smoother in operation. I'm a believer.

 

[Skybolt]

Orlando - I have grease fittings and filled the cavity with Metalube. Over time I have noticed the valves become easier and smoother in operation. I'm a believer.

Really? That is good to know. Thanks Tom. But when the valve is closed, isn't the grease exposed to water?

 

[ttmott]

Really? That is good to know. Thanks Tom. But when the valve is closed, isn't the grease exposed to water?

The grease gets exposed when cycling the valve; that is why I use Metalube. When fully open or fully closed the cavity where the grease is sealed.

 

[ocgrant]

Just did this on all of mine. Freed up some of the tightness right away.

 

[Richard Carlisle]

Thanks guys. So it sounds like opening half way and blowing air through the drain ports will evacuate any water. Then to grease, open the valves.

Do you replace both plugs with grease fittings or just one? I was thinking that greasing through one port until it comes out the other might be a good way to go.

 

[ocgrant]

Thanks guys. So it sounds like opening half way and blowing air through the drain ports will evacuate any water. Then to grease, open the valves.

Do you replace both plugs with grease fittings or just one? I was thinking that greasing through one port until it comes out the other might be a good way to go.

I only have one plug on all of mine and yes I installed the Groco stainless great fitting

 

[rlynch03]

Just did this on all of mine. Freed up some of the tightness right away.

I added the zerk fittings and filled the seacocks with greese this summer as well. I have noticed them all become easier to operate for sure!

 

[rlynch03]

My mechanic suggested I remove the zero fittings and re-install the original plugs after freezing the Joint. Easy enough however didn’t think about it being an isssue.

He said the opposing metals will cause them to seize and break off.?.

 

[Maybe A Dancer]

Get the stainless the REAL thing from Mcmaster Carr

BEST !

RWS

 

[ttmott]

My mechanic suggested I remove the zero fittings and re-install the original plugs after freezing the Joint. Easy enough however didn’t think about it being an isssue.

He said the opposing metals will cause them to seize and break off.?.

I'm curious what that means. The valve bodies are bronze right? There aren't many metals not compatible with bronze.... To the point above the zerk fittings do need to be stainless to help prevent them from rusting.

 

[rlynch03]

I'm curious what that means. The valve bodies are bronze right? There aren't many metals not compatible with bronze.... To the point above the zerk fittings do need to be stainless to help prevent them from rusting.

Mine are bronze. Wondered if he was knowledgeable or not. So maybe no worries.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Mine are bronze. Wondered if he was knowledgeable or not. So maybe no worries.

Yup, you're good - SS will be just fine... and it's what is typically used all the time for this. Maybe he was thinking about regular steel zerks.

 

[Jaybeaux]

Not to hijack this thread or anything, but for those who have put zerk fittings on their seacocks, do you grease the seacock with the valve in the open or closed position?

Jaybeaux

 

[ttmott]

Not to hijack this thread or anything, but for those who have put zerk fittings on their seacocks, do you grease the seacock with the valve in the open or closed position?

Jaybeaux

Start from the beginning - explained.

 

[carterchapman]

@ttmott - what size fits our large engine seacocks and what size fits the smaller A/C and genny seacocks?