When I bought Windrunner a year ago there was a leak someplace in the Ice bow drain system. A PO had rigged the drain up to a manual pump that emptied into the sink. The original set up on '86 C-27's drained the icebox directly into the bilge. This is not very efficient, loosing the cold water immediately.
While doing stuff that was higher on the priority list, I had some left over 5200 (never have used an entire tube) So I used it to caulk around the drain in the bottom of the icebox. This seemed to stop the leak. I thought that I would never have to deal with it again.
Last trip out I used 60 lbs of ice and noticed that there was no water in the icebox when I was cleaning up after the cruise.
I thought for sure that I was going to pay for my past transgressions with the 5200. BUT was very pleasantly surprised that the 5200 that I put in came out pretty easily.
I had to cut and take out the sidewall of the under sink cabinet.
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag383/deisher6/100_3615_zpsca0b3373.jpg) (http://s1373.photobucket.com/user/deisher6/media/100_3615_zpsca0b3373.jpg.html)
Then cut away the insulation around the drain to reach the nut on the bottom.
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag383/deisher6/100_3613_zpse7ad3775.jpg) (http://s1373.photobucket.com/user/deisher6/media/100_3613_zpse7ad3775.jpg.html)
Here is the bottom of the locker, you can see the bottom on the port cockpit locker under the teak plywood at the back of the locker.
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag383/deisher6/100_3618_zps815abb09.jpg) (http://s1373.photobucket.com/user/deisher6/media/100_3618_zps815abb09.jpg.html)
Taking out the old drain was a two person job, this is the tool of choice for turning the drain. Vice grips worked to hold the nut on the other side.
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag383/deisher6/100_3609_zps0c47f091.jpg) (http://s1373.photobucket.com/user/deisher6/media/100_3609_zps0c47f091.jpg.html)
New drain. Going to let it set up overnight and test it tomorrow.
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag383/deisher6/100_3617_zps80c96a7b.jpg) (http://s1373.photobucket.com/user/deisher6/media/100_3617_zps80c96a7b.jpg.html)
regards charlie
How thick is the insulation around the icebox, and is there room to put in any more?
I'm not a fan of the icebox draining to the bilge, There's always some disgusting stuff that ends up draining down there.
Although not as bad as the fact that a PO had disconnected and plugged the overboard sink drains and ran them to to the bilge instead.
2nd day on the boat, I find the bilge full of the first days leftover coffee. Could have been worse I guess!
Hey relamb:
There is about 4-5 inches of insulation around the icebox. Some room on the bottom for more. I am going to put a solo cup around the drain and use 'good stuff' to seal up my work ---- if it doesn't leak.
regards charlie
I'm 99% sure my icebox drains to a thu hull. I'll pour a bucket of water in there tomorrow and see where it goes. Interesting question....I'll let you know about the 1987 models.
Bruce