FBV Series Full-Flow Seacocks Info Sheet FBV Series, 1 of 1

151113
Installation, Operation, and Maintenance

Installation: Refer to figure-1. Square Handle Hole: GROCO FBV Winterization:

Install the seacock in accordance seacock handle has a square hole Freezing may damage
with ABYC H-27 onto a backing that will accept a standard ratchet the seacock and
block of suitable material for wet extension. Use this feature to break connected plumbing if
bilge areas. The backing block loose a stuck valve or to reach the left filled with water.
serves to further spread the load, handle in an inaccessible location. In freezing
but not directly on the hull section Exercise caution when operating the conditions, close the
through which the thru-hull fitting valve with a ratchet handle attached seacock and drain
penetrates. Some installers prefer as the added length provides a the water from the
bolting through the hull and backing mechanical advantage that could valve by removing
block, while others will bond the damage the valve handle. the drain plug(s).
backing block permanently to the Replace and tighten the drain plug(s)
hull, and then bolt into the backing Bonding: The seacock base has a after draining.
bonding screw. Use at least 14ga
block, but not all the way through the Connections: GROCO offers a
hull. Either installation is acceptable. marine grade stranded copper wire
complete line of straight, 45-degree
Depending on the combined backing to connect the seacock to the vessel
and 90-degree cast bronze pipe/
block + hull thickness, the thru-hull bonding system. Bonding may be hose fittings in full flow (FF or FFC)
fitting length may need to be reduced made in series with other non- or standard flow (PTH or PTHC)
so it does not bottom out inside the motorized equipment such as models to complete your installation.
seacock before proper compression strainers. WARNING: DO NOT Use TFE thread tape on threaded
is achieved. bond motorized equipment such connections; double clamp hose
as air conditioner pumps in series connections.
Reversing Handle Rotation: GROCO with the seacock. Motorized
equipment must have a separate Maintenance: No regular
FBV seacocks includes the patented maintenance is required. It is
user-selectable handle rotation connection to the vessel AC or to the
DC grounding bus, in accordance recommended that the valve be
feature. If seacock location does not operated at least monthly to assure
allow unobstructed handle operation, with ABYC E-11, Figure-18.
free movement and to prevent the
you may change the rotation Operation: The valve is closed when build-up of nuisance marine growth.
direction by relocating the set-screw the handle is horizontal
beneath the handle. The set-screw Lubrication: FBV seacocks are fitted
(perpendicular to the thru-hull fitting)
may be removed all-together if 180- with one drain plug and one zerk
and is open when vertical (parallel to
degree handle rotation is desired. fitting. The zerk serves as an
the thru-hull fitting).
additional drain plug but also
provides for the injection of GROCO
U-LUBE lubricant into the space
between the ball and the valve body.
U-LUBE (available in 3-oz or 14-oz
tubes) is specially formulated for ball
valves to lubricate wear parts and to
discourage the accumulation of
nuisance marine growth.
© 1999 GROSS MECHANICAL LABORATORIES, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

IMPORTANT - Inject U-LUBE only

with the valve in the open position.
Remove the drain plug to let the air
or water out, and so you can visually
determine when the valve is full of
U-LUBE grease. Inject U-LUBE with
a standard grease gun through the
zerk fitting. When U-LUBE appears at
the drain plug port, stop pumping.
Replace and securely tighten the
drain plug.

For service assistance/information call 410.604.3800 and ask for Seacocks Service Department. After hours, go to www.groco.net.