Leaking bronze ports?

AMcC · Post by **AMcC** » Sep 24th, '18, 16:31

Any tips on eliminating leaking from my bronze ports (25D)? Silicone spray? A new gasket kit? My port cushion keeps getting wet when I'm away from the boat, and I'm having a mildew issue (as a result, I think). The ports are the biggest culprit so far...
-Alec

bottomscraper · Post by **bottomscraper** » Sep 24th, '18, 19:02

Silicone grease, a thin coat all around works wonders. It doesn't take much.

John Stone · Post by **John Stone** » Sep 24th, '18, 23:29

If you are sure it’s leaking from around the gasket then you can try Rich’s suggestion. But if the gaskets are hard I recommend you plan to install new gaskets. Spartan marine sells them. They used to be about $10 each. Don’t know what they cost now. They are very effective. But if the leak is coming from under the flange then you have to remove the exterior trim ring and rebed them. If that is what’s happening let us know. There are some important considerations if you must remove the trim rings.

Joe Myerson · Post by **Joe Myerson** » Sep 25th, '18, 15:47

I replaced the gaskets, which was more time-consuming than I thought it would be. Since then, there have been no leaks from the ports.

I purchased a roll of casketing from McMaster-Carr, which was cheaper than buying individual gaskets from Spartan. Steve Laume, an active participant in this message board, lent me a template, and I installed the gaskets with contact cement.

The most complex problem was removing all the old casketing and glue from the bronze frames.

Should you be interested in some casketing, I would be more than happy to ship some to you. Just PM me with your mailing address--and reimburse me for shipping.

Best of luck!
--Joe

John Stone · Post by **John Stone** » Sep 28th, '18, 07:09

Joe
What is the part number for the gasket material at McMaster Carr? And how close it it to the gasket sold by Spartan Marine?

Jim Walsh · Post by **Jim Walsh** » Sep 28th, '18, 09:55

http://www.capedory.org/board/viewtopic ... 1%2F2+EPDM

This link contains the specifics.

John Stone · Post by **John Stone** » Sep 28th, '18, 11:47

Thanks Jim. Anyone know if it’s the cord or the tube?

Jim Walsh · Post by **Jim Walsh** » Sep 28th, '18, 14:54

It's the cord.

House · Post by **House** » Sep 29th, '18, 21:47

New gaskets make a world of difference. I started to see a few drops here and there two years ago, but over the last several months, it seemed that five out of the eight ports leaked a steady drip-drip-drip, even in a light rain. Last month I installed new gaskets all around; she's dry now.

I put a thin coat of rubber cement on both the gasket and the channel around the port frame. Push gasket into place and that's it. As others have said, the most time consuming part is removing the old gaskets and glue.

Good luck!

Richard

John Stone · Post by **John Stone** » Sep 30th, '18, 08:17

The spartan marine gaskets I installed on the FR have held up well. Three years of hard use. No leaks. But I think it would be wise to have a length of gasket material aboard the FR if they do start to leak at some point.

Seems we could split up a 100’ roll three ways and cut the cost by 1/3. Anyone interested?

Doug Gibson · Post by **Doug Gibson** » Sep 30th, '18, 20:15

I replaced my gaskets about 10 years ago using the same McMaster-Carr material. The removal of the old is the biggest task. After scraping out the old as best of could, I used a small wire brush drill attachment. About 1-1/2 diameter and 1/4 - 3/8" thick. Fit perfect in the groves of the port casting. Cleaned the metal to bright finish, then quick wipe with acetone. Maybe 5 minutes per port.

dr2owen · Post by **dr2owen** » Oct 1st, '18, 07:49

I would be interested in splitting a roll of gasket material with people. I was also wondering what kind of template Joe was referring to.

Martha Lei · Post by **Martha Lei** » Oct 17th, '18, 20:14

Doug Gibson wrote:I replaced my gaskets about 10 years ago using the same McMaster-Carr material. The removal of the old is the biggest task. After scraping out the old as best of could, I used a small wire brush drill attachment. About 1-1/2 diameter and 1/4 - 3/8" thick. Fit perfect in the groves of the port casting. Cleaned the metal to bright finish, then quick wipe with acetone. Maybe 5 minutes per port.

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need to replace all gaskets, on my CD 30 but like to know how to do it.
Is this just remove old one and re apply new one over a flat glass surface? or is there a groove,some kind of channel where the gasket fits in?
Do not want to tear the old one without knowing what is the set up.
Any help appreciated.
Also what kind of adhesive you use?
thanks

Martha Lei · Post by **Martha Lei** » Oct 17th, '18, 20:17

John Stone wrote:The spartan marine gaskets I installed on the FR have held up well. Three years of hard use. No leaks. But I think it would be wise to have a length of gasket material aboard the FR if they do start to leak at some point.

Seems we could split up a 100’ roll three ways and cut the cost by 1/3. Anyone interested?

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I would

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Leaking bronze ports?

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