AC water pump suction - 2003 270 FV

MDboater

While winterizing my AC, I removed the water hose from the seacock and put it into a gallon of antifreeze.  The mouth of the gallon was a couple of inches higher than the pump.  I then turned on the AC (actually heat came on because it was 57 degrees).  The pump did not have enough suction to draw antifreeze from the bottle.  Is this to be expected?

I ended up manually pumping antifreeze into the pump running almost a gallon through the system. 

MDboater

Cableguy Greg

I pumped antifreeze backwards thru it until pink came out the bottom of the boat. Haven't had a problem yet.

Michael T

The pump is pretty robust but those HVAC lines are notorious for losing their prime and needing the AF to be "pushed" through the line. That's why I installed that "T " fitting with valve on mine. Before that the tech had to unscrew the hose going into the pump and pour the AF into it without losing prime. The result was often a mess. Of course, the fitting was getting beaten-up and leaking all the time so I replaced that end and added the "T".

Handymans342

I just blew mine out with air. Never had a problem

MDboater

Handymans342 said:

I just blew mine out with air. Never had a problem

Did you blow it out from the drain opening back through the seacock or from the hose attached to the seacock out through the drain on the side of the boat? 

I watched a video where the mechanic pumped antifreeze from the drain on the side of the boat backward through the pump and out of the seacock.  I believe he was working on a Rinker.

frenchship

MDboater said

I watched a video where the mechanic pumped antifreeze from the drain on the side of the boat backward through the pump and out of the seacock.  I believe he was working on a Rinker.

That is the way I do it and no problems and probably the easiest way.

Handymans342

I disconnect the hose after the strainer and blew air threw the AC unit for about 2-3 minutes.

Dream_Inn

I have to say, for the first time mine was actually a pain this year to draw antifreeze thru.  Typically I just put a funnel in the hose, fill it, turn it on and that is it.  I think I should've done it with 2 people, cause it took it in so fast I couldn't get but maybe the gallon in and it then it sucked air.  From that point it was tough to prime.  & without someone outside watching, I wasn't positive pink went out both holes.  Again, first time in 15 years I had the issue.  I think lesson learned, I'll just have a second person to help watch and have that extra gallon pouring in quickly if needed.

I do like the idea of blowing it out first, as I do with my fresh water system.  I may have to look into that one.  I guess prime would be lost though if I then tried to drawl pink in.

Dream_Inn

Greg, what kind of pump did you use?

frenchship

You could use a pump that work with an electric drill.

Dream_Inn

French, you're right.  I can grab that at home depot for under 10 bucks.

PartsMan

I use the drill pump. Takes 2 minutes to winterize the AC

Cableguy Greg

I used a 1100gph bilge pump in a pan of antifreeze.

MDboater

frenchship said:

You could use a pump that work with an electric drill.

What fitting do you use to mate with the drain hole?  Seems like you would need a small tapered nozzle?

frenchship

I just use a regular garden hose and put it into the thru hull and wrap a rag around it. Better with two people  doing it so one can hold the hose with the rag tight aroun it.

Michael T

I assume afterwards you remove your strainer bowl to avoid antifreeze discolouration of the bowl? I had one left on with AF in it last year by a tech and it completely clouded the bowl. They are both off this winter.

BellevilleMXZ

ah ha......that's why mines all white inside.

Michael T

@BMXZ - yes, not easy to spot the debris in them once it's like that eh? I told my tech to hand the bowls to me, after winterization. I rinsed and dried them and brought them home for the winter.

BellevilleMXZ

Yeah its completely white.......probably hard to match up too

rasbury

I use that to pump my engine oil out, at least one similar. So Handy, tell everyone how much work your doing in your boats new home to winterize it? Yuk Yuk....

Handymans342

ZILCHO infact the marina told me they have never UN winterized a boat. LOL

JC290

Handymans342 said:

ZILCHO infact the marina told me they have never UN winterized a boat. LOL

So you have time to throw us northern folk a party at your place? 

Handymans342

Of Course. B_D and MT are on board