bulkhead leak after 11 years????

[salty joe]

I'm thinking a bulkhead connection is forever, at least in terms of my life. After 11 years i was surprised to find a stalagmite about 2" long hanging from a bulkhead and a small mound of solidified salt below. i snugged it up maybe 1/8-1/4 turn and crossed my fingers. anyone else get a leak like that years later?

 

[Saltyreef]

Yes. Rubber seals break down, deform and dry out. Salt water likes to creep and form crystalization trails that can cause leaks. 11 years not too bad.

 

[X-37B]

Yesterday when doing my monthly WC on my 150 I noticed the return bulkhead leaking. I snugged it up as it was not tight.
Was fine for 2.5 years and should be good now.

 

[jsmkmavity]

Yes, the rubber gasket shrinks over time, and sometimes the nut will crack and you wont know until you try to tighten it.