Our Raymarine ST60 speed transducer works just fine when the "paddlewheel" is inserted in the thru-hiull fitting. I've been taking the transducer out after each sail and inserting the "dummy" fitting so the paddlewheel doesn't get clogged up with marine growth. The last time in put in the dummy, I noticed quite a substantial leak around the cap. I found I couldn't tighten it all the way, backed it out and threaded it on very carefully - it had been cross threaded. But now even threaded properly and tightened hand tight, I still had a small leak. I removed the dummy and re-installed the paddle wheel (hand tight) - no leak! (Which tells me I didn't irreversibly damage the thru-hull threads.)
Neither seems to have a gasket... Should they? I haven't been able to find a parts list nor drawing for the transducer. The ST60 Speed Instrument manual just says, "See the transducer manual"! Which naturally I don't have!!
Anyone else had this issue? Or perhaps a transducer manual? Ideas?
Thanks in advance for any help!
Joe & Patti Worth
"Tehani"
1999 C36 MKII #1810
Atlantic Highlands, NJ
Mine has a pair of O-rings on both the transducer and the plug. Mine also has a tab or something that locks it in place in the correct direction. This is on the plug too. If it's not locked into that tab, it won't go in 100% and I do recall that making it leak ever so slightly. So when I put either in, I turn it back and forth until I feel it seat, then tighten the cap.
I also remove it every time I leave the boat as it will be clogged with every sort of Chesapeake critter if I don't.
Gary and Cathy Price
1997 C36 Mk II Tall Rig/Wing Keel Imagine...
Hull # 1617
Worton Creek, Md.
Northern Chesapeake Bay
They should have rubber rings to keep the water out. I rub some peritoneum jelly to keep them fresh and soft and also water tight. I would think you can buy new rubber rings for them. It appears that the rubber rings are of standard size for all models. If you can not find them - you should be able to find them in a local hardware store in the plumbing department.
Haro Bayandorian, 1999 C36 MKII, Sail La Vie #1787, M35B,
Coyote Point, San Mateo, CA.
[QUOTE=baysailor2000;19327]... I rub some peritoneum jelly to keep them fresh and soft and also water tight...[/QUOTE]
I know I have too much 'jelly' around my peritoneum, but I never thought to extract it as a lubricant and sealer.
Haro, I am guessing you used a device that 'corrected' the word petroleum to peritoneum (lining of the abdominal cavity). It was good for a laugh.
To further disrupt, I don't believe most O-ring materials are compatible with petroleum-based products. It won't destroy them quickly in many cases, but a silicone-based lubricant is preferred.
Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/
Funny thing is Duane, I read right through that post and saw 'petroleum'. After reading your post, I went back and looked and sure enough, spell checker had struck again. My brother's emails are often indecipherable due to his spell checker's 'corrections'.
I use 'waterproof silicone grease' on those O-rings. (Hope spell checker doesn't change that to 'silicone implants' :rolleyes:)
Gary and Cathy Price
1997 C36 Mk II Tall Rig/Wing Keel Imagine...
Hull # 1617
Worton Creek, Md.
Northern Chesapeake Bay
[QUOTE=plaineolde;19323]Mine has a pair of O-rings on both the transducer and the plug. Mine also has a tab or something that locks it in place in the correct direction. This is on the plug too. If it's not locked into that tab, it won't go in 100% and I do recall that making it leak ever so slightly. So when I put either in, I turn it back and forth until I feel it seat, then tighten the cap.
I also remove it every time I leave the boat as it will be clogged with every sort of Chesapeake critter if I don't.[/QUOTE]
You guys are great! My transducer and plug both have double o-rings and the small tab to make sure the paddle wheel is oriented fore-and-aft. I had been putting the plug in any old way. Just put it in correctly and - miracle! - no leak.
Thanks so much for the help!
Joe & Patti Worth
"Tehani"
1999 C36 MKII #1810
Atlantic Highlands, NJ
Duane - Thanks for catching my miss-spelling. Yes I meant Petroleum Jelly. You got me wondering if I said the wrong thing for "O" rings - so I looked up the instructions one more time. Please view page 4 of the PDF file that I am including here. I have highlighted the specs by the manufacturer of Airmar Transducers. They are including silicone lubricant as well.
Haro Bayandorian, 1999 C36 MKII, Sail La Vie #1787, M35B,
Coyote Point, San Mateo, CA.
Thanks, Haro, for that info.
I must say that is quite odd in that I don't recall ever seeing a petroleum-based product recommended for O-rings. There are many types of O-ring materials available, so perhaps the silicone is compatible with all or most materials and that it is why it is the 'typical' recommendation.
Cheers,
Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/