Let's talk about bulkheads

Picked up a 65 RR setup off craigs the other day and while cleaning,I removed the bulkheads to inspect,they are fine and the gaskets are in great shape,soft and flexible.

Now i'm ready to reinstall them and got thinking.

Whats the general consensus on silicone with bulkheads? (i do have aquarium grade silicone),I plan on a small bead on both sides of the gaskets both inside and out.

Is there any reason I shouldn't do this other than "it makes them tough to get back out"???? I don't plan to ever remove them again.

I know it's not necessary,just added reassurance that i'm after as i've never owned a drilled tank before and want to make sure it won't leak for many years.The tank is bottom drilled.

Is there any major reason(s) why I shouldn't do this????

 

I was told to use sealant on the washer side only, since the gasket will seal the inside just fine. I too am ready to seal mine, but I didn't have the marine sealant, so I have to go back out tomorrow. I'll be checking in on this thread for more insight.

 

Thanks 55,I was thinking of both sides of the gasket just to insure a positive seal with the first try.So i'll patiently wait with ya for feedback on this topic.

 

Suggestions are not too because it can cause the gasket to slip and leave you with a big leak. Just replace it as is.

 

+1 with 2n10 the gasket will seal as long as its in good shape and not cracking or torn but if you have new I would install those instead of reusing.

 

John,the holes are a very nice fit to the diameter of the bulkheads,theres really no slop for the gasket to slide as I just planned a hand tightening along with just a snug turn with the channel locks.Would you still recommend againt it?

I agree about the reuse Gus,industrial plumbing was a large part of my career,so I would gladly replace the bulkheads if I felt the gaskets were compromised,plus they're cheap,but I have no concern about the flanges or condition of the gaskets,they are in great shape,very pliable and have been thoroughly cleaned.So they should seat up nice.

 

"I agree about the reuse Gus,industrial plumbing was a large part of my career,so I would gladly replace the bulkheads if I felt the gaskets were compromised,"

Great plumbers think alike!!! Thats my profession also.;D

 

Mine was hvac,but being a plumber and an electrician comes with the trade

And I just seen you don't have any karma,so we'll just have to fix that

 

I would not do it on the gasket (wet) side, it introduces the posibility of the gasket not sealing correctly or the seal breaking in the future if the plumming gets jolted for some reason. Nothing wrong with a bit around the threads on the dry side though.

 

Thank you sir!