Pickup Strainer

[shrew]

This is kind of a dumb one, so apologies. The raw water pickup for my A/C has a bronze 'Scoop Strainer' on the exterrior of the hull (pic below). The engine bilge side has a seacock. Can the external scoop strainer be removed for cleaning. I have a bunch of barnacle growth in there. I was able to remove a good portion with a slotted scredriver. I'd like to remove to make sure the barnacle growth isn't going up into the seacock.

CAn this be removed without removing the entire seacock. It looks like a few philips screws and it drops right out, then some underwater sealant to screw it back into place. I'd like to confirm before I start taking it apart.

[shrew]

<bump>

What would be the best way to clean this thing out? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

[seapuppy]

Hey Shrew
you can remove it and clean it with the 4 screws....but I thought it was connected to the hull valve on the inside...as in one piece...

from what I've heard, you can use some calcium cleaner to remove the barnicals ..but I remember the navy soaking them in concentrated concentrated orange drink or coolaide to clean brass.....soak it for a few hrs and it should come right off....makes the brass shine like new...

SP