Portal Maintenance

[clohman]

I need to service the water seals on the four portals on my Ericson 32. Is anyone aware of a schematic or procedures for disassembling and repairing 18-year-old portal seals?

Thanks, Chip
Whispering Swan
Quantico, VA

 

[Loren Beach]

Pray tell, What is a portal seal?



Loren

 

[Geoff Johnson]

If they are like mine, they look like Lewmars, but are actually made by Bowmar. I have not found any way to disassemble them to replace the gasket. However, I have found that if the gasket is not torn, you can clean and lubricate it with silicone grease (wiping off any excess) and the dripping will stop. This seems to recondition and soften the rubber. When the gaskets finally give out, I'm afraid that replacement of the whole port will be necessary.

 

[Loren Beach]

The light dawns! You must mean an "opening port", like in the cabin side.
On my '88, these are Lewmar, FWIW.

I was thinking of doorways... and pinnipeds.....



Loren

 

[ref_123]

E32 ports

Hi, guys,

mine are Lewmar - it says so on the glass - and the gaskets are still available from Lewmar dealers. A year ago I "renewed" ours by pulling them out and applying some automotive rubber restorer - now they work OK. The real challenge is to stick them back though .

Regards,
Stanly