Ice box leak

[deisher6]

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.



Then cut away the insulation around the drain to reach the nut on the bottom.



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.



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.



New drain.  Going to let it set up overnight and test it tomorrow.



regards charlie

[relamb]

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!

[deisher6]

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

[Allure2sail]

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