Ballast Valve Lube

[Tsatzsue]

Foe all of you with the ballast slide valve on your boat, I have found the best lube. I have tried white lithium with poor results. The stuff turns chalky in no time and the valve gets harder to move than before. I got this stuff from Amazon for plumbing valves and O-rings for the house and gave it a whirl. I can now slide the valve with one finger. Works mint. I'm going to put some on the porta potty valve as well.

Amazon:
FOTU 711 Silicone Grease Lubricant Plumbers Waterproof for O-Rings Valve Sealant Faucet Slicon Lube with Scraper and Finger Sleeve (4 Oz, 1-Pack)
KB

[Russ]

Awesome.

I'll give it a try. Mine is stiff as can be and seems to leak. Great idea for the porta potty too.

Here's a linky

https://www.amazon.com/FOTU-Silicone-Lu ... 3MQST?th=1

[WinSome]

Consider this food-grade silicon grease as a preferred option. Much better for the water!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BN82TPY4

There’s also food grade grease available for your trailer axles!

These are also available in Canada on Amazon.ca or your retailer.

Can’t wait for the soft water to arrive. Our boatyard in still knee deep in white stuff. At least it contributes to the lakes water levels.

[NiceAft]

WinSome,
What is the name of the product?

All that shows up is the Amazon logo.

Win some, lose some.

[kmclemore]

WinSome,
What is the name of the product?

All that shows up is the Amazon logo.

Win some, lose some.

I edited his post and fixed the link.

[Be Free]

Your ballast valve is a great application for silicone grease (sometimes called plumber's grease) since it is, in fact, a plumbing valve. I've never felt the need to lubricate it but if I did silicone grease would be my #1 choice.

The active ingredient in silicone grease is usually polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). If that's the only thing in there you should be fine.

I've been using silicone grease commercially and personally for decades. It is generally considered safe and non-toxic in any reasonable concentration. The amount you would use to lubricate the ballast valve is minuscule. You will probably replace the valve before you will need another 2 ounce tin of silicone. Buy small containers. You will probably lose it before you use it up.

Check the label. Some "plumber's grease" brands will add additional ingredients to differentiate themselves from the competition. All you need is the PDMS.

[OverEasy]

Hi All!

As the ballast valve was fairly stiff when we were first adopted Over Easy I initially just applied the white lithium grease and got the same chalky results. Since then as part of annual preseason inspection and maintenance we’ve applied a dab of marine axle grease to the gate valve with good results.

Now the challenge is getting the bivalves to stop wanting to attach themselves to the slide plate of the gate valve……haha….
They stick really well and after a month or two have to be chiseled off!
I have tried Teflon grease too but they mollusks still attach themselves…. Any suggestions anybody?

Best Regards,
Over Easy

[Tsatzsue]

Be careful,

Regular grease will eat the rubber seal.
KB

[Russ]

I found this video on lubricating the valve. It's just an RV dump valve. Interesting. I might try it.

[OverEasy]

Hi Russ!

Great preventative video tip!
It’s worth a try for Over Easy while she’s currently ashore getting prepped for the upcoming season.
Thanks!

Best Regards,
Over Easy

[Tsatzsue]

Overeasy,
I would try the lube that I mentioned before drilling. No need to drill. A couple of strokes after you lube and you can move it with one finger. Lube the rubber groove and the stem. All done. The stuff is cheap too. I'm done with lithium grease.
KB