Tow valves on newer 1.8 boats

[Evil Sports]

So last summer I attempted to install some valves behind my 1.8s and found there is little to no clearance back there to fit the valves I bought. Has anyone come up with a valve set up for the 1.8s

 

[steined]

What did you get? The island racing ones? I haven't tried to install them yet.

 

[jcyamaharider]

How much access do you have in the bilge area? That is where I put mine and just reach through the access ports.

 

[Evil Sports]

They were gotten by my boat mechanic friend and they were way too long to fit. The hose length from the back of the engine to the wall is quite short. Clamping it looks like it could be difficult.

 

[bucks448]

The Island Racing valves are pretty compact. I had to put mine in the engine compartment because I could get my arm far enough through the swim deck locker access ports. The 190 has more engine room, so it isn't hard to get to, but as you can see, it barely installs there.

 

[Evil Sports]

Yeah its one tight Mofo back there.

 

[Gym]

Evil, Is it possible to install them under the clean out tray? That's where I put mine but I'm not sure about the access on the 1.8s. I put them there also so I didn't have to reach to the back of two hot engines to operate them.

 

[Sotally Tober]

I had the island racing valves installed by my local dealer. I attempted to do it myself but found it was way to tight to fit in the area of the engine compartment where they needed to go.

 

[xoomer]

I bought the Island Racing valves but haven't installed them yet. I agree there isn't much space but what I want to do is run a hose extension from where I make the cut up (and down) the back of the rear bulkhead and have the valves installed in an easily accessible place so I don't have to bend down behind the hot engine to turn them on and off.

 

[tdonoughue]

I put mine under the clean out tray on the other side of the wall. Much better to install. Much better to activate.

 

[xoomer]

I put mine under the clean out tray on the other side of the wall. Much better to install. Much better to activate.

@tdonoughue I guess I don't understand--how do you reach in there to turn them on and off? Do you have to pull out the tray, or the plugs, whenever you want to reach the valves? When I pull my plugs out I don't see any opening--do you have a picture?

 

[tdonoughue]

Under the tray. I pulled the plate in which the tray sits. Approximately 963,432 screws hold it in, which is a pain. But once you get that off, plenty of room there to work. I just snipped and then put them inline with band clamps. Do wear gloves. No gellcoat down there and you will ruin your nickels.

To activate, then I just pull the tray. I can't see one that way, but is know where it is...

I did it as my first mod, before I learned to post pics on the site that shall not be named. So I don't have any pics. But I am planning on swinging by today further to the audio install and will see if I can't snap some...

 

[jawsf16]

That tray is supposed to be siliconed around the edges to prevent taking on water. May not be the best plan to have to break the silicone for that.

 

[tdonoughue]

I re-beaded with silicone caulk when I replaced the tray. Plus, I found when I pulled mine that original silicone left some to be desired... Not too solid.

 

[jawsf16]

Tim,

But would you have to break the seal again to activate the tow valves?

 

[tdonoughue]

Pretty sure mine doesn't have silicone around the tray, just around the big plate that is screwed in.

I'll grant you that doesn't make a whole lotta sense...

At any rate, ran for almost 2 yrs now with no issue...

 

[xoomer]

To activate, then I just pull the tray.

@tdonoughue Does that mean you have to unscrew the screws holding in the tray every time you use the valves?

 

[jcyamaharider]

The new boats dont have access ports? If not these would be really easy to install for quick access.

 

[jawsf16]

Tim, Are you talking about the tray between the cleanout plugs versus the entire cleanout plug tray? My 210 had a hatch between the two plugs that was accessible without screws or silicone. Cant remember if the 240 does.

 

[Evil Sports]

Tim,

But would you have to break the seal again to activate the tow valves?

My concern when I heard under the tray. Anyone have pics??