A/C priming

[Gman]

Last weekend our A/C shutoff with the "HI - P5" error. This has happened in the past and was not a big deal. I opened up the strainer and it was full of gunk and small sticks. I cleaned it out and put it all back together.

We have been told that once you open up the strainer you need to "re-prime" the system. In the past we have done this by "plowing" the boat through the water for a few minutes and then starting up the a/c. We have also been told you can re-prime by sticking a hose in the outlet for the a/c water and squirting water in there.

We tried both way for well over an hour and couldn't get the a/c to work again. It just keeps shutting down with the "HI-P5" error. Is there another way to prime the a/c again? Or could there be something else wrong?

 

[Hampton]

1) Close the through hull
2) Take the hose off on the far side of the pump (between pump and a/c)
3) Open through hull until water flows through pump - (If it doesn't, take the hose off the other side and allow the hose to fill with water)
4) Re-assemble while keeping water in hose/pump
5) Ensure through hull is open
6) Start A/C and check for water flow overboard

 

[Gman]

Thanks! I'll try those steps. Just one question. While re-assembling, is the through hull open or closed?

 

[Hampton]

I would probably close mine quickly once the water has made it way at least to, if not through the pump (just can't remember which side of pump). Otherwise, it would continue to spill out during reassembly, depending on how quick you are.

If you have good access to the area, loosen the two clamps on the hose, slip it off until water runs, then slip it on and tighten the clamps - you could leave it open the whole time. I'm thinking that the hose needs to be taken off the "In" side of the pump. It seems that if the water was to be able to flow through the pump to the other side, it would be self-priming.

Unlike your raw water pickup pumps (impellers), this pump can move water, but not create much of a vacuum from air alone. Once the water is right up to the pump, with the blocking air bubble removed, it should be able to grab ahold of the drops and begin to build pressure and start the flow.

 

[Hampton]

P.S. - We had ours lose priming and need to be re-primed after a 2-hour ride in moderate seas with lots of rocking. The bottom of the boat must have been exposed enough to lose the prime on the pump.

 

[Gman]

Hey thanks for tips...it worked like a charm!!! I found that my hosed was glued on as well as the clamps. But I loosened the glue with my screwdriver and got the hose off (the input hose to the pump). I then open up the sea cock and waited for the water to come out and immediately put the hose back on the pump. The a/c fired right up after that! Thanks again, you saved me a service call from the dealer!!

 

[Hampton]

Great!