Fish tank "Y" valve.

[Wine Down]

I was trying to pump both sides of the fish tanks, the port first then starboard. 1999 215 DC -this is a new boat to me...the Y valve will not turn? Am I doing something wrong? I amalso looking at addding a kicker motor primarily for safety, can anyone recommend a mounting bracket?

Phil - Wine Down

[GoneFission]

Y valves stick sometimes when not used.  Spray the shaft with some lubricant/penetrant and see if you can get it to move.  Sadly, sometimes corrosion causes the stem to break before the valve moves - then it's new valve time!   :x

Kicker brackets are designed based on the weight of the motor.  Spring-loaded brackets make the up-and-down process easier.  Make sure the bracket you get is designed for the weight and HP of the motor you are planning to use.  Garelick and Panther seem to be some of the most popular.  Look for stainless steel with a composite (not wood) motor mount surface.  Here are some ideas for ya:  

http://www.ebay.com/sch/Boat-Parts-/264 ... or+bracket  

See ya on the water!

[flounderpounder225]

I was trying to pump both sides of the fish tanks, the port first then starboard. 1999 215 DC -this is a new boat to me...the Y valve will not turn? Am I doing something wrong? I amalso looking at addding a kicker motor primarily for safety, can anyone recommend a mounting bracket?

Phil - Wine Down

The diverter valve is pretty easy to disassemble, I had to take mine apart, clean and lube the spool valve.  The O-Rings dry up and with no use it gets real hard to turn.

[Wine Down]

Thanks all......I will try turning the valve without breaking it! WD 40 here we come!

[seabob4]

Thanks all......I will try turning the valve without breaking it! WD 40 here we come!

PB Blaster...  

[wingtime]

Thanks all......I will try turning the valve without breaking it! WD 40 here we come!

PB Blaster...  

Yup PB blaster is the standard boat tool box item!

[slvrlng]

PB Blaster...  

X 3

WD just doesn't hang around long enough for things that are exposed to water.

[dxs217]

I have the same boat. My fish box Y-valve is extremely difficult to access. It is located next to the bilge pump. Access is gained through small pie plate in the engine well. The baitwell/raw water Y-valve is located on the deck in front of the engine well (easy access). Both Y-valves are the same make (Bosworth).

If you can replace the fishbox Y-valve (in the bilge) without removing the engine, make a video and post it because you are a ninja and deserve serious accolades...  :)

I am not a ninja, I had the Y-valve, bilge pump, float switch, and associated wiring replaced by a mechanic during spring maintenance. He wasn't a ninja either, he removed the motor for easier access.

Now I lube the valve every couple of months with T-9. I am in the process of making a device out of PVC to turn the valve. This should make life much easier...