Any idea how to access the front bilge hose to replace the through hull fitting? I can reach it inside the cabin but can’t maneuver.
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Broken plastic through hull fitting
- Thread starter Mr. Joe
- Start date
Often times you are working blind on boats. If you can get a hand on it, consider yourself lucky. You could take a few pictures of it to get a better idea of what you're up against. But, basically, you need to remove the clamp, then wrestle the hose off, then unscrew the nut, then remove the fitting. Hopefully the fitting wasn't put on with something like 3M5200 or your removal job just got harder.
There's also always the possbility that you have to remove something else to get better access or even cut a new access hole.
FYI... it's a through "hull" fitting, not "hole".
There's also always the possbility that you have to remove something else to get better access or even cut a new access hole.
FYI... it's a through "hull" fitting, not "hole".
Sure!
If you can get a heat gun on the hose (and there's nothing in the vicinity that could catch fire!), that will make it more pliable.
Is it a plastic fitting?
If you can get a heat gun on the hose (and there's nothing in the vicinity that could catch fire!), that will make it more pliable.
Is it a plastic fitting?
Yes, it's plastic, must have been rotted, blew right off while power washing the hull. Wondering if it can be replaced with a brass fitting to avoid this in the future?
Yeah, the UV gets to them and they turn brittle. Your other ones are probably not far behind and it might be a good idea to replace now before they break off while you're out on the water - that could be bad!
If it didn't just pop back through the hole - go ahead and get rid of any of the remaining mushroom head and push it into the hole - then you can bend the hose towards you (on the inside) to make things a little simpler. You can either just squeeze the hose with a pliers to break the tailpiece (keep the hose angled down!) or pick it out or use some heat to soften it up.
No, not brass... but yes, you could use bronze and never have to worry about replacing it again. Since it's above the waterline you could also use SS. Bronze is still more durable - but the SS will be WAY more than adequate.
If it didn't just pop back through the hole - go ahead and get rid of any of the remaining mushroom head and push it into the hole - then you can bend the hose towards you (on the inside) to make things a little simpler. You can either just squeeze the hose with a pliers to break the tailpiece (keep the hose angled down!) or pick it out or use some heat to soften it up.
No, not brass... but yes, you could use bronze and never have to worry about replacing it again. Since it's above the waterline you could also use SS. Bronze is still more durable - but the SS will be WAY more than adequate.
Hookup1
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I replaced all my above water thru hulls with GemLux stainless. Nice, a little more expensive but they look great. Half of them were "one hand" installs and a few were "blind". I had to pull the refrigerator and work in the hole for three of them "one hand".
You need a helper, caulk (I used 4000uv), a tool to turn from outside and a helper. They don't have to be real tight - and just lightly caulked. A little clear silicone lube, slip hose on and tighten with a nut driver. Prep is everything.
You need a helper, caulk (I used 4000uv), a tool to turn from outside and a helper. They don't have to be real tight - and just lightly caulked. A little clear silicone lube, slip hose on and tighten with a nut driver. Prep is everything.
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Grey56
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Here -
I'm getting to the point of replacing all 10 of mine just out of paranoia. Like you - there are several I am dreading from how tight a spot it will be. Like Hookup1 said though - prep will help: but having a partner seems to me the one indispensable element.
If you can - take some before/after photos so you can give me courage!
I'm getting to the point of replacing all 10 of mine just out of paranoia. Like you - there are several I am dreading from how tight a spot it will be. Like Hookup1 said though - prep will help: but having a partner seems to me the one indispensable element.
If you can - take some before/after photos so you can give me courage!