Silent Choice leaking down

[The Hedgehog]

Ok, so after heading the noise police rumors I finally got around to finishing the silent choice install on the X-18. I am not overly concerned but I could see issues as I like to stop by my friend Harry's houseboat before idling back over to a slip for the evening. That usually means several cold ones and I could just see the implications of an early evening safety inspection after getting scolded by the noise police. Everything is rigged perfect except now the diverters are leaking down. I can pump them up and they leak back in about 20 seconds. AHHH. And they worked so well about 4 years ago when I last used them in the 27.

I know that this has been knocked around plenty but does anyone know where the leak down is probably occurring? Can these be easily taken apart and rebuilt or do I have to sent them to Corsa? I just thought I would ask before I started trying to take everything apart.

[MOP]

I take it by your discrition you have air actuation. Try shooting Windex on the actuators the seals may be dried out, maybe weeping at a connection. If all else fails maybe switch the actuators to the electric type.

[The Hedgehog]

I take it by your discrition you have air actuation. Try shooting Windex on the actuators the seals may be dried out, maybe weeping at a connection. If all else fails maybe switch the actuators to the electric type.

That is a good tip. Yes, the air actuators.

I would have a hard time switching to electric. I had so much fun rigging the air system.

[The Hedgehog]

Oh well, tried the windex. I bet that the seals are not happy from sitting so long. Time to find that leak and possibly send them to Corsa

[Pismo]

Do they leak down to thru transom? My stocker merc ones leak down to thru prop so if they break it goes to thru prop. Just curious.

[Carl C]

Maybe spray some silicone lube into the actuators and see if it softens the rubber?

[MOP]

Not being able to do a hands on, do they appear to be easy to take apart? If so the seals are more the likely a standard item, could be oring or lip type. If it has orings try to replace them with the red ones, Corsa may even have a kit.

[The Hedgehog]

Do they leak down to thru transom? My stocker merc ones leak down to thru prop so if they break it goes to thru prop. Just curious.

Yep. They are the stocker Mercs.

[The Hedgehog]

Not being able to do a hands on, do they appear to be easy to take apart? If so the seals are more the likely a standard item, could be oring or lip type. If it has orings try to replace them with the red ones, Corsa may even have a kit.

They are probably coming apart today. I will shoot some silicone on the rams to see if that makes them happy first.

[The Hedgehog]

Maybe spray some silicone lube into the actuators and see if it softens the rubber?

Worth a try. I will let you know if that works

[Tidbart]

It has been a few years, but if you look at the air pump, there is a pressure relief valve, brass, I believe. Anyways, put some soapy water on that and see if leaks.
To clean it, remove it and soak it, open the valve and clean the rubber seal and make sure it seats properly. Sometimes salt crystals or dirt can get in there and break the seal. Then they slowly leakdown.

Hope this helps.

B

[rbarna]

mine has always behaved that way, stays quiet for less than 2 minutes

[BigGrizzly]

Now the plastic connectors leak. also the solenoid has a filter un screw it and a drop of oil and flip the switch a couple of times this helps.

[The Hedgehog]

Now the plastic connectors leak. also the solenoid has a filter un screw it and a drop of oil and flip the switch a couple of times this helps.

Randy,

I am attacking all of the above. The most leakage is at the seals around the ram. I sprinkled some pneumatic tool oil (whatever that is but it was laying in my tool box) on the rams and it loved it. It was happier but I probably need to take the rams apart and replace the seals.

I will hit the solenoid filter too for good measure.

[penbroke]

They are quite likely industry standard air cylinders. (No point in Corsa re-inventing the wheel.) Don't know, haven't seen them but if so they are cheap and plentiful. Got any photos? If it is a pressure type system soapy water in a squirt bottle is your friend...


Frank

[The Hedgehog]

I cleaned all of the above and reset all of the fittings. I could not take the cylinders apart but after I took them off I could oil both ends. They hold now. Life is good.

Note to others. When installing a used Captains choice, take apart and thoroughly clean everything you can. Then install!:hangum:

[MOP]

Cleanliness is next to Godliness! Now where the heck is that porno avatar??????????????????????????

[The Hedgehog]

Cleanliness is next to Godliness! Now where the heck is that porno avatar??????????????????????????

The av is on the way back. I am looking for something good:shocking: