- Nov 26, 2006
- 7,628
- Boat Info
- 2008 44 Sedan Bridge
- Engines
- Cummins QSC-500's
Straight Drives
Back on Track:
Check for flow - if no flow:
1) With perfect system, pump needs priming - pull outgoing hose and turn on
2) Pump is primed - Check strainer. Close the through-hull ball valve (handle perpendicular), open strainer, remove basket and clean. While open, open ball valve temorarily to check flow rate through thru-hull (clean if blocked). These get growth and clog up.
3) Pump primed, strainer clean, thru hull flowing well - system clogged. I haven't done it, but you can put a hose against the out-flow port and try to back flush. I doubt the system is clogged. Normally they get dirty, but not enough to completely stop flow. When clogged enough to slow the flow too much, you can rinse with acid: Search this site. You take a bucket of acid mixed with water and draw that into the pump and system until it flows out the side. Shut it off. Let it sit. Flush with water. Repeat.
In summary, from most likely to least:
1) Prime Pump
2) Clean Strainer
3) Clean thru-hull
4) Acid-wash system
5) Replace pump and/or impeller assembly
6) Electrical malfunction
Check for flow - if no flow:
1) With perfect system, pump needs priming - pull outgoing hose and turn on
2) Pump is primed - Check strainer. Close the through-hull ball valve (handle perpendicular), open strainer, remove basket and clean. While open, open ball valve temorarily to check flow rate through thru-hull (clean if blocked). These get growth and clog up.
3) Pump primed, strainer clean, thru hull flowing well - system clogged. I haven't done it, but you can put a hose against the out-flow port and try to back flush. I doubt the system is clogged. Normally they get dirty, but not enough to completely stop flow. When clogged enough to slow the flow too much, you can rinse with acid: Search this site. You take a bucket of acid mixed with water and draw that into the pump and system until it flows out the side. Shut it off. Let it sit. Flush with water. Repeat.
In summary, from most likely to least:
1) Prime Pump
2) Clean Strainer
3) Clean thru-hull
4) Acid-wash system
5) Replace pump and/or impeller assembly
6) Electrical malfunction