Heat and Air pump for my 2008 350 Cruiser

mfritz

My mechanic said he tried to prime my heat and air pump and it would not prime. He ordered a new pump. Does this happen often after the boat is winterized. It worked great last year.   

YYZRC

Run the boat on plane with the seacock open before you replace the pump. 

Liberty44140

Yep agree, mine never has prime at launch but after I run the boat 3 miles on plane to my dock it’s primed and good. Worst case pulling the output hose on the pump should get prime going. 

Grahamu

I've had that problem several times, loosening or pulling the output hose until water flows generally fixes it. I also close the thru-hull if I am being hauled and re-launching to trap the water.

Ian

Same here, get her on plane for a bit, doesn’t need much at all. Pulling the hose at the pump didn’t do it for me either.

YYZRC

My 330 had a drop in strainer with a lid that was secured by wing nuts. I could open the lid and pour water in while the pump was running to create a prime. This might work for you @mfritz if you have this style of strainer and not the screw on type. 

Grahamu

Have to agree with taking it up on plane if you have the original black ribbed hose. It's a pain to re-seal, I had to use a heat gun to soften it and clamp to stop it leaking.

Grahamu

If the motor is running you can buy parts, impeller, pump face and body, no need to buy a complete pump.

mfritz

Sorry for the stupid question, just got my 2008 350 last year but where is the seacock located and how do you know it is opened..Thanks

YYZRC

Seacock should be in the small access in the aft area under the stairs, directly in front of the port side small cabinet.  It is open if the lever is parallel to the hose.

Liberty44140

@mfritz very important that you clean out that strainer! I fond that once a month is enough, but if you boat on a muddy river it could need cleaning weekly.

Black_Diamond

I always just filled the strainer with water and it was good to go.  

mfritz

Where is the strainer located. Thanks

Grahamu

next to the thru-hull valve

Handymans342

mfritz said:

Where is the strainer located. Thanks

You really need to learn your boat. 

TonyG13

Handymans342 said:

You really need to learn your boat. 

Handy's correct. Even take your boat apart. If there is a cabinet or panel with easily accessible screws, and you can safely do so, take them off and explore. That is how I found my Big Orange filter - hidden behind an aft cabinet. Would have never known it was there without pulling the cabinet. You'll learn a lot about how your boat is laid out and operates by snooping around.

Grahamu

Have to agree with Handy. Just from a safety point of view you need to know where all your underwater thru-hulls are, what they are connected to and how to shut them off should a hose disconnect or burst. Your bilge pumps will not keep up with the water coming in and you will sink.

Handymans342

@Grahamu.  Have to agree with me?? LOL

Handymans342

I have seen a lot of posts lately where the boat owner has no clue where anything is. I would spend a whole weekend or more and just find out where everything is, turn on every switch and see if that item works. 

Grahamu

Handymans342 said:

@Grahamu.  Have to agree with me?? LOL

Must be my British upbringing, it means I agree with you and your post, also your next post is also true.

Handymans342

Grahamu said:

Handymans342 said:

@Grahamu.  Have to agree with me?? LOL

Must be my British upbringing, it means I agree with you and your post, also your next post is also true.

I always speak the truth