Motor well drain tube

[wbdenamur]

Would you recommend using 4200 or 5200 when replacing the brass motor well drain tube?

 

[seasick]

My guess is neither. To some extent, it depends on how the tube is mechanically held in place. I probably would use a good adhesive rated for under the water line (even though your tube should be above). Adhesives like 5200 are not really meant for fittings that can flex which can create cracks.5200 and to an extent 4200 also will make future removal of the tube difficult

 

[DennisG01]

I would use, and have used, Lifseal. 4200/5200 will actually flex plenty enough for this application, but they are more of an adhesive than a sealant. They'll seal just fine but as Seasick mentioned, will make removal much harder.

Sand the wood core to expose fresh wood and then saturate that a few times - just keeping going till the wood stays shiny after about 10 minutes - with epoxy. Watch for drips/heavy spots on the bottom of the hole and sop them up before they dry so you don't have to come back and grind them away to get the tube to fit. Once dry, give it a very light sanding with some water and dry it. Then use your Lifeseal (or whatever) and fully coat the hole with your finger before doing your final sealing/installing.

Personally.. I like using the 2-piece plastic ones from TH Marine. Brass doesn't last forever, either, in this application and the plastic ones are much easier to install/remove.

 

[JJF]

3M 4000 is sealant only, so you may want to use it.

 

[wbdenamur]

I would use, and have used, Lifseal. 4200/5200 will actually flex plenty enough for this application, but they are more of an adhesive than a sealant. They'll seal just fine but as Seasick mentioned, will make removal much harder.

Sand the wood core to expose fresh wood and then saturate that a few times - just keeping going till the wood stays shiny after about 10 minutes - with epoxy. Watch for drips/heavy spots on the bottom of the hole and sop them up before they dry so you don't have to come back and grind them away to get the tube to fit. Once dry, give it a very light sanding with some water and dry it. Then use your Lifeseal (or whatever) and fully coat the hole with your finger before doing your final sealing/installing.

Personally.. I like using the 2-piece plastic ones from TH Marine. Brass doesn't last forever, either, in this application and the plastic ones are much easier to install/remove.

I actually thought about using the plastic but thought it would get brittle and crack over time.

 

[Fishtales]

X2 on the life seal. I've used it in other applications and it has held up great.

 

[DennisG01]

I actually thought about using the plastic but thought it would get brittle and crack over time.

Eventually, sure. But the brass will get thin and eaten away over time, too. The plastic should easily last at least 10 years, though... and as I mentioned... it's much easier to replace.