Forward Guest
Head ~ Portlight -
The portlights were leaking. In removing the
Aluminum portlights, it was
interesting to find that the the portlights had been
bedded and sealed with an assorted mixture of window glazing
compound, polysulfide and 3M-5200. It appeared that each layer
of goop was applied on top of the previous layer. It was
obviously a poor way of sealing the portlight to the hull and
flashing. Additionally, over the years, and owners, the type and
size of fasteners that were used on the portlights had evolved
so that very little was common or standardized. The
Aluminum portlights
showed years of accumulated paint and corrosion. The
decision was made to strip and refinish it.
The old portlight gasket material was removed. A high-speed wire
wheel was used to clean the accumulated paint and corrosion from
the portlight bolts, nuts, washers and dogs. The front and
backsides of the portlight including the aluminum portlight
dogs were sprayed with two coats of Rust-Oleum Red Primer. After
drying overnight, it was again sprayed with two coats of
Rust-Oleum Gloss White Appliance Spray Paint. The bolts, nuts
and the inside of the dogs were painted with Never-Seez grease.
New gasket was then fitted and secured with contact cement.
The outboard side of the portlight was heavily coated with 3M-4200
and the portlight inserted into the opening. The portlight was
then fastened in place using #14 - 2" stainless steel oval head
screws. The screws were lightly screwed in. The following day
the screws were tightened down. |
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