New “Forum” Section
Thanks to my webmaster brother Capt Scott…We now have a forum section…Whoo Hoo !!!
Everyone can access it, but registration is required to post…I don’t share that info…You can find the link at the top of any of Marine -AC.com’s pages…Just click on “Forum”…Or you can click on this http://marine-ac.com/forum/
We are slowly growing, and I seem to notice from the searches what folks do to find Marine-A/C.com. I also see that many are either not finding the forum and/or asking their questions…
So again I would like to offer the suggestion that you “Check It Out”
Please don’t be afraid to ask anything you would search for answers for in any search engine…In my experience there are Not a lot of sites (if any) offering personal answers out there for the Marine A/C & Refrigeration field, and it’s one of the main reasons I have offered this forum section.
Join in with questions and comments…Hopefully together we can make this a one stop source for your marine a/c info, experiences & troubleshooting.
I personally look forward to interacting with everyone…
Note: If you do decide to register & participate…Please input your location in the space provided as it helps to know your climate without having to ask.
Steve~
About the Author: Steve Pooler is a marine air conditioning specialist based on the West Coast of Florida. His marine repair background started in the 1970's at a family owned and operated boat yard in St Petersburg, Florida. Steve has a knowledge of most all specialties involved with marine and yacht repair. For the last 20 years (11 of which were for a Cruisair distributor) Steve's specialty has been yacht & boat air conditioning and refrigeration service.
TK | Jul 18, 2009 | Reply
I have a freind who has a 305 Bayliner. He is notnot getting water through the pump. He said when he takes the strainer off there is water comong from the inlet to the strainer. When he turns the unit on the pump comes on butthewater does not go thru the unit then the unit shuts off. He thinks the pump needs to be primed. The boat was recently put on a boat lift. Is there a way to get water to the sytem whan the boat is stored on the lift? I’m going over tomorrow to help him out. I’ll get more specifics. Maybe the inlet is just plugges. Great website!!
Thanks, Tom
Steve Pooler | Jul 19, 2009 | Reply
Hi Tom~
If he’s getting water thru the strainer and the pump runs…Your friend is likely right…The pump needs primed, and may not be installed correctly.
This is a standard problem with boats on lifts because when the boat comes out of the water…The water also drains out of the pump…Then when he drops it back in the water there is a loop or high spot in the plumbing that is not allowing the air to go thru the pump head…Or the pump may be above or very close to the water line…
The quick fix is to take the discharge hose off of the pump outlet and see if water runs out (boat in the water all the way)
You will likely see bubbles come out first and then it should be a solid stream of clear water…No need to start the pump or A/C for this…
If you don’t get solid water, then the pump (or some of the related supply plumbing) is above the water line which is not good…
Pump relocation is best, along with all plumbing that feeds the pump, it all must be under the water line, with gradual uphill run to the strainer, and then to the pump (no dips, peaks, or loops that can trap air) for the pump to prime automatically.
Sometimes(rare) this cannot be done easily in boats that have little draft, or room in the chosen pump location…In these type boats it is important to lower the boat all the way into the water before attempting to run the a/c because it’s pump installation may be close to the water line and thus not down low enough to start a/c while still supported by the lift.
He can do a few things to help the problem, but they can be a pain to do every time he launches or hauls…
One is to remember to shut off the thru-hull every time before lifting the boat out to keep the water in the pump…but then he will need to remember to open it every time he launches (don’t open until the boat is fully in the water)
Second is to install a ball valve & tee on the pump outlet so that he can vent air easily after the boat is launched without wrestling with a hose & clamp…
Another may be…The thru-hull intake likely has a scoop on the bottom of the boat…Getting underway may be enough to force the air out of the pump, but that can be a pain as well if he wants A/C while loading up for a cruise…Without having to cruise, Before the Cruise…
Running the pump dry for very long will damage the pump head (it melts the inside from heat) So whatever he decides to do about it, he needs to vigilant in keeping the pump wet…
Let me know how you go…
Steve~