Vent Screens

[eje]

Does anybody have a source for the screens for the small round water & fuel vents?
I cand find small window screen patch kits, but they have a much courser weave. Im not sure I could cut them small enough without them coming apart.

[nuku34]

The screen material used in those vents is stainless steel. Window screen material is some sort of plastic; not fine enough and won't last long.
I suggest you try a company that supplies engineering stuff.
This will give you some idea about what is available:
https://www.directmetals.com/products/wire-mesh/
These folks obviously don't sell to the public, but they might give you a list of retail companies they supply...
Good luck

[eje]

Thanks -

I would think cleaning/replacing the vent screens would be a routine maintenance item. It makes no sense to have to replace the entire vent if the screen is damaged or missing. What to most do?

I know the nylon screen won't work. There are still some galvanized window screens, but not a good option either.
And - I have seen sources for all kinds & sizes of screen, but I'd likely have to buy a roll. I only need about 2 sq inches.

[deblen]

https://www.mcmaster.com/products/st...ess-steel-mesh

[eje]

Exactly what I was looking for
Thanks

[Bowdrie]

When Wilcox-Crittenden was in business they used a simple ball of bronze wool in their vent fittings.
Works great, easy to replace, no muss no fuss.

[eje]

I keep forgetting about McMaster-Carr. They seem to have EVERTHING.
Shipping was more than the screens, I found them someplace else.

The bronze wool would be a good idea, but my vents are only 1/2 inch. Might be hard to make small balls.

[Bowdrie]

Originally Posted by eje

The bronze wool would be a good idea, but my vents are only 1/2 inch. Might be hard to make small balls.

The bronze wool is the best.
All boats should carry one of those packs of 2>3 bronze wool pads, they're useful for a million things.
You just pull-off a piece of pad and roll it up in your fingers.
It ain't a science project.

[CaptTom]

what about the screens which go in sink faucets and such? Easy enough to find at the hardware and home supply stores. Haven't tried them for this use, but I have used them for other things.

[eje]

I got a bag of bronze wool, ripped off some small pieces & stuck them up the vent holes. The first I tried just fell right out. I'll watch them & see.

BTW - When I went to clear the vent lines, one side had wasp dirt deep into the line. I ended up replaces both port & strb vent hoses