Air Conditioning Failure

[mmcguire2002]

Hey guys - has anyone run into this...my air conditioner shuts off after a few minutes with the error code HI/PS. I opened the bilge and there is a sound when the air conditioner comes on that almost sounds like an impeller out of alignment or something grinding (slowing/stopping the momentum) of the motor. It then shuts down and shows the error code.

Any help with what the problem could be, as well as how to repair, is greatly appreciated.

 

[dgrumm]

The code HI PS means too high of head pressure on the sea water intake. Try cleaning the strainer. As for the sound.... not sure. Maybe the pump cavitating?

 

[Hampton]

This is the sound and indications of a dry pump. It needs to be primed. Close the through hull, open the strainer, remove the basket, momentarily open the through hull and check for good flow. Low flow = clogged intake - dive beneath and clean it out. Good flow here? Clean the strainer basket and replace. Close up the strainer. Re-open the through hull ball valve. Loosen the two hose clamps on the far side of the A/C pump and slide them forward. Use an awl (or small Phillips head screwdriver) to lift the hose away from the barb to allow air to escape as the water fills the lines, strainer, and pump. When water starts to leak out, remove awl, replace hose clamps, start A/C, and check for water flow out the side of the boat.

If water flow is good - you're done. If it's not, then you need to clean the lines. Regular, periodic use of crushed chlorine tablets (from pools system) will keep it clean. An acid rinse will get it clean if needed. Don't let the chlorine sit stagnant in the lines or strainer basket - keep it running until gone, or remove them after running it for a full day. The chlorine will destroy parts of the system if allowed to sit in high concentrations.

 

[jff]

I'm sure this isn't the case - but just to point out (just in case), if your A/C pump is off on your salon breaker board then that would also cause this. I assume the 340 has a switch for that (my 390 does, one time I had it off and all the A/C units failed with this same error) so I just thought I'd mention it just in case.

Regards,
Jason

 

[Robski97]

Hampton is right on....

Rob