More of this Feature • Battery Charging, Genset Troubleshooting • Fix a Leaking Portlight, and more • PMY Tries... Retractable Phone Tether
Related Resources • Maintenance Q&A Index

I had a leak in one of my portlights. I removed the frames and have everything ready to put back together. What kind of sealant should I use? O.G., via e-mail
Before applying any sealant, dry-fit the port to make sure all the fastenings fit properly. If the frames are aluminum, use a silicone/acrylic sealant. With other metal frames or those made of plastic, you can use either polysulfide or silicone/acrylic sealant. I would avoid using 5200 or a similar strong adhesive because you will encounter difficulty if you ever need to remove the frame.

Do you have a tip for securing a nut to the end of a bolt when working in tight spaces? E.L., via e-mail
Wrap some tape around one finger, sticky side out. Use the tape to pick up the nut and hold it in place on the bolt. This will make it easy to get a turn or two started to tighten down on the bolt.

While I take the usual precautions when changing my oil filters, I often wind up getting things pretty messy. Any suggestions? H.S., via e-mail
Once you’ve got the filter canister loose, slip a large, heavy-gauge plastic bag over it. You can now remove the filter and let it slip into the bag without fear of dropping it into the bilge. In addition, the bag will catch any errant oil that may still be in the housing top.

Once you’re done, you can seal the bag and dispose of the used filter in the appropriate manner with your marina manager or dockmaster.

As semi-liveaboards, we rely on our dryer. Lately it takes a much longer time to dry our normal loads. What could be wrong? D.M., via e-mail
Most of the time a faulty cycle timer or thermostat causes this type of problem, especially if the unit is used a lot. If your machine has multiple heating elements and one fails, this can affect drying time.

Consult your owner’s manual for the correct troubleshooting procedure for your particular model. Also make sure you keep the lint filter clean and that the vent duct is not obstructed.

Need help with a maintenance problem? Write to Maintenance Q & A, Power & Motoryacht, 260 Madison Ave., 8th Fl., New York, NY 10016. Fax: (917) 256-2282. e-mail: ken.kreisler@primedia.com. No phone calls, please.

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