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[DEWaterfowler]

Seems that everytime I start reading a post on what I should check next on my new to me Parker I find another problem. I know alot of it is preventive maintenance, that I don't know if or when it was done, but it's like a have a black cloud over me lately. In the past month I've checked the deck plates: had to reseal and replace all the gaskets; checked the fuel sender: yup it's bad and had to replace; check the rest of the fuel system: "new" seperator filter must not have been new: new filter, new fuel line and pump; had some steering play: checked and filled it according to Dale's sticky: worked great and the steering was greatly improved, now it's leaking from the helm so I guess I'll be replacing the seals. After the seals in the helm I guess it's back to trying to get the side scan on the Lowrance working. My son spent a couple hours on the phone with Lowrance and everything seemed to test out ok but it still won't display. Anyone have any idea how difficult the seals in the helm are to replace or the best place to get them from? I've read a couple places where it doesn't look too difficult but not sure about replacing all the o-rings in the bottom.

 

[DaleH]

Well, none of those items are indicative of a Parker boat, but could affect ANY brand boat ... and more importantly, are symptomatic of either the company that made the part or the lack of PM by the previous owner. Welcome to boat ownership !

SeaStar front helm seal: I have a friend, a scientist like Leonard on the Big Bang Theory :shock: and he analyzed their front helm seal and got 100 of the same durometer and size. I just sent him an email asking for a few, plus his experience on replacing it ... so I will share what I learn. He just replaced the front one, if not broke - don't fix it.

FWIW Teleflex sold off SeaStar as a separate company a year or two ago, now goes by
www.seastarsolutions.com . But for some years before that, they seem to have had some quality issues, as my '92 never leaked once anywhere, and I now use 3 helms, but it seems like some made in the 2000s had issues, even up to including sticky or faulty check valves.

 

[warthog5]

Dang! Sounds like a walk in the park to me.

Here's what I spent 8 months on after buying a '95 2530.

viewtopic.php?f=11&t=12419

 

[DEWaterfowler]

I've read your post before Warthog5, lots of good information and I got some idea's from it. Trust me that was the short list of things I've done and still need to do.

 

[Megabyte]

Check out the 'Projects' area and you'll see lots of regular maintenance items addressed. Some of the things I have posted in the past include re-bedding of deck plates, replacement and lubrication of the o-rings, installation of LED lights, new deck hardware (and the sealing the exposed wood), and my annual spring 'wax and project' post.

Many of my posts aren't as extreme and involved as some of Bobby's, but between us all, those 'little things' like battery and bilge pump replacement are a way of life if you own a boat (especially an older one). Some things are done because they break or fail, others are done because we want to make our boats better, or for safety reasons. You will find projects here where owners are cutting their decks for major work, but really... most of what you will find on CP are normal maintenance items or upgrades.

If you fish and want to add a couple more rod holders, finding a project post here with photos, makes the task all that much less daunting, especially for someone who has never taken a drill or a saw to their boat before.

And that...... is what ClassicParker is all about. 8)

 

[fighterpilot]

Megabyte, how about a link to your experience and "how to" on sealing exposed wood. Thanks

 

[Megabyte]

Megabyte, how about a link to your experience and "how to" on sealing exposed wood. Thanks

The search tool is your friend.
search.php?keywords=&terms=all&author=Megabyte&fid%5B%5D=11&sc=1&sf=titleonly&sk=t&sd=d&sr=posts&st=0&ch=300&t=0&submit=Search

 

[DEWaterfowler]

Thanks for the info Megabyte, I'm pretty familiar with boats and how much work they are as I've one or another for almost 30 years. I've found anlot of great informatioin on this site and everyone seems more than willing to help. BTW, don't need any rod holders as there are already 23 on the boat. I fished the Chesapeake last Saturday around the bridge and bloody point, looked for your boat but didn't see it although there were a couple Parkers out there.

Got the rebuild kit for the steering today, just have to get the wheel off. The set screw is stuck but I've sprayed it the last 2 nights with PB blaster so we'll try it again tonight.

 

[Megabyte]

Got the rebuild kit for the steering today, just have to get the wheel off. The set screw is stuck but I've sprayed it the last 2 nights with PB blaster so we'll try it again tonight.

Once you get the set screw loose, grab the wheel on both sides and wiggle it gently as you pull out.
Be very careful because when it releases from the tapered shaft, it'll come off in a hurry.
If you're not ready for it, you will end up on your back. Not a good thing.

 

[fighterpilot]

Megabyte thanks for the link. Good stuff. I found the article on resealing deck plates. Was that your reference to resealing wood? Didn't find anything else that might pertain to resealing the wood except that. Did I miss it?? Thanks

 

[Megabyte]

Megabyte thanks for the link. Good stuff. I found the article on resealing deck plates. Was that your reference to resealing wood? Didn't find anything else that might pertain to resealing the wood except that. Did I miss it?? Thanks

Look for the project where I repaired and remounted my rocket launcher. I think it is one of my 'spring' threads.
The other would be the installation of extra washboard mounted rod holders. That one shows protecting the wood with several coats of epoxy.

 

[fighterpilot]

OK, thanks.

 

[DEWaterfowler]

Thanks for the tip Kevin.

 

[DaleH]

Best way, sans puller, to remove a stuck wheel is to use 2 people. One holds and pulls & rocks the wheel up as the other taps/raps the center post with a mallet. Make sure to leave the nut on a few threads so when the wheel finally lets go ... they don't get it smack in the teeth :shock: !

 

[Megabyte]

Make sure to leave the nut on a few threads so when the wheel finally lets go ... they don't get it smack in the teeth :shock: !

Absolutely! :shock:

 

[DEWaterfowler]

Thanks Dale. The set screw is frozen solid, tried just about everything so it looks like I'm gonna have to drill it at this point.