another stupid question from Jimmy

[Jimmy Buffett]

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

 

[MEP001]

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.

 

[Jimmy Buffett]

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.

 

[MEP001]

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?

 

[Jimmy Buffett]

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.

 

[JMMUSTANG]

Check where you screw in the swivel. It may have a small crack.

 

[Jeff_L]

Can you take a good swivel from another boom and put it on there to rule out the swivel?

 

[PaulLovesJamie]

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.

 

[Jimmy Buffett]

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.

 

[Jimmy Buffett]

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

 

[MEP001]

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.

 

[Jimmy Buffett]

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.