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another stupid question from Jimmy

J

Jimmy Buffett

Active member
small drip from the swivel

I have a small drip from the swivel on one of my bays. I replaced the swivel but it still leaks. I cannot see anything from the attic so the leak is inside the boom I guess. Do I have to take the boom apart to see? I don't know what parts are in that downward part of the boom. Any idea what I may be dealing with?
Thanks
J
 
Usually the "downward part" of the boom is a solid metal tube. Are you sure the replacement swivel isn't leaking? You could also have a cracked fitting at the top of the boom.
 
I only had 1 extra swivel so I don't know for sure I guess that the new one is not bad. Is the failure rate that high on those things? They are about 30-35 bucks each.
 
Without knowing for sure whether the swivel is even bad, or even the brand of swivel and boom, I can't say. Can you not see where the leak is coming from?
 
It looks like it is coming from the bottom of the swivel but I thought it unlikely that both were bad. It is a Jim Coleman boom. I should get a new swivel today to try.
 
I doubt the swivel is the problem, more likely its the connection or a small crack in the fitting somewhere. I assume you use teflon tape?

But, that said, I have received parts in the last couple years - more than once - that were not "fully assembled" even though they looked like they were. If its a repairable swivel I'd take it apart & make sure all the parts are in the right place, and everything is reassembled and tightened properly.
 
I'll try to take it apart again this afternoon to see if I can find a crack. This market is kind of consuming most of my time. I think the best thing for the economy would be for somebody to nuke the politicians in Washington.
 
I think I found the problem. The swivel is screwing in so far that I wasn't getting it in tight enough. I had to get my smallest set of channel locks to tighten it because the wrench wouldn't fit. I put about 12 rounds of teflon on it and I think it is going to be ok. I really needed another 1/2 inch of thread for it to fit correctly.
Thanks guys
 
Try a Sonic swivel in it next time. They're probably selling you a Mosmatic which doesn't leave room between the bottom of the boom and the body of the swivel for a wrench. You can probably get an open-end wrench in there more easily than channel locks too.
 
Good to know. Thanks. I don't feel very smart realizing the thing was just not tight. Once I brought in the 12 foot ladder so I could get these old eyes close enough to see it was a big help.
 
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