Air Conditioner off but discharging water under way?

[JimFromMD]

Ok,
So I would swear I read something about this on here before but can't find it now. This weekend I had a friend at the helm while cruising underway, and randomly looked over the sides to see how the boat was running (I'm usually driving). I've looked out the stern and over the sides before, but never noticed water flowing out of the air conditioner discharge thru-hull or maybe just never leaned far enough over to see that far forward as the hull curves/flares.

I know that the AC pump is self priming, and have occasionally had to go move the boat to get a prime going (keep the boat on a lift, and rarely close the sea cock during the season while out of the water). I assume it's neither a big deal, or unexpected that the water pressure against the bottom of the hull on plane could force water up through the system, but it sure caught me by suprise.

Anyone else have this happen?

James

 

[dpmulvey]

I doubt enough pressure could be generated to do what you describe. However I have seen setups where the pump is on all the time whether the compressor is engaged or not.

 

[ZZ13]

Someone on here had a signature pic which happened to show that exact phenomenon occuring. It led to a discussion (last year or so) that it was normal due to pressure forcing water through the line. Matter of fact they suggested to go for a ride to reprime the line after winterization, before you turn on the a/c for the first time of the season. But its too much work for me to search for the thread.

How'd the genny run all weekend, James?

 

[hottoddie]

Just noticed the same thing on a friends 1986 34ft Express. Generator and AC was turned off but water was discharging out the side of the boat on plane. Seems normal if the boat uses a "scoop" type water pick up that forces the water into the system while on plane.

 

[Jimmy Buoy]

Normal on each one of my boats. A/C units should have a forward facing scoop and the water is rammed in there while on plane. The pump's impeller is usually just a two bladed type (like an airplane propeller) and the water can easily pass by the impeller, through the A/C unit and out the discharge fitting.

 

[frosh coach]

Not to hijack this, what type of scoop should be on the generator?

 

[Pyrojodge]

Scott, had this happening on his 340... nothing to worry about.

 

[carterchapman]

You guys need to look at Scott's sig pic...no genny, but his A/C outlet is "pumping" away underway...

 

[src]

Not to hijack this, what type of scoop should be on the generator?

No scoop on the generator, and the seacock should be closed when you aren't running it. You don't want to force water through the system when the generator is off. Unless your setup is just right (i.e. designed for a scoop intake, usually only for high-speed boats) it can put water into the cylinders.

 

[skolbe]

No scoop on the generator, if you had one it would push water into the cylinders. You do not need to close the seacock if you have a non scoop intake.

 

[frosh coach]

Thanks guys, I have a scoop on mine. It will be changed next time I pull the boat. Closed seacock until then.

 

[carterchapman]

I think you guys confusing water going into the genny's cooling intake scoop with water going into the A/C cooling intake scoop...Scott's picture is water coming out of his A/C discharge...

 

[dpmulvey]

Not to hijack this, what type of scoop should be on the generator?

Mushroom only.

 

[dodgeboy]

This week-end i did see the same thing, water coming out a/c discharge. Is it normal ? Should i close valve ?
Thanks

 

[Henry Boyd]

This week-end i did see the same thing, water coming out a/c discharge. Is it normal ? Should i close valve ?
Thanks

Normal yes. Closing the seacock when not using the AC is more personal preference. Having it open won't damage the AC, and will keep the cooling line primed. Obviously any open seacock is a risk. It's your call.

I'll be honest both the seacock for the AC and the engine raw water pick up stay open all season on our boat. Maybe not the safest practice in theory, but I do check all of the hoses and clamps, so I don't think the risk is excessive.

Henry


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