Can you identify a dripping bilge hose?

[MikeTheHunter]

On my 2000 340 this hose is dripping so much it sets off the bilge pump about every hour. I can't identify it from the Hunter Owner's Manual I have. (It's not from the shower, which I never use, or the refrigerator, which is broken.) Do you know what it is?

(PS Sorry, I don't know how to update the About section of my profile - it's not quite right.)

 

[sailcapt340]

I looked at my 2000 340 manual also and didn't see any reference to any hose other than the refrigerator going into the bilge.
My shower drain hose empties into the forward, more shallow bilge area just before the main bilge you are showing. And any water from that finds its way into the main bilge through a weep hole.
But you say you don't use it or the refrigerator so, can't be that.

You should remove the flooring in front of the head. It's only a few screws and it will open up the area to better see the hose and the way it is routed through. That should help identify its source.

Is that the seawater Strainer to the engine in the picture? Mine is under the floor in the aft stateroom.
Check in there, what do you have under that flooring other than the seawater Strainer. Could be a clue.
Sorry I can't be of any help on this one. For the same year and model boat you have a completely different setup than I do.
I'd lift the floor, you'll find its source.

 

[JamesG161]

My guess is the refrigerator drain. Easy to verify, pour a cup of water in the frig drain.

Why do I guess that?
Well insulated and can have moist air inside to condense.

Otherwise it is Air Conditioner Condensate drain pan.
Jim...

 

[JamesG161]

(PS Sorry, I don't know how to identify the About section of my profile - it's not quite right.)

Click on your Account name then go to Account Details and edit it.
Jim...

 

[sailcapt340]

Jim has a good idea. Try pouring water in the refrigerator. Hopefully that's it.
Your claiming it's a constant drip capable of setting the pump off every hour.
Check your Shaft Packing nut (if you have one) or the PSS Seal if you have that (that's what I have).
The drip is too constant, and too much, a Shaft seal or packing nut could be loose and causing a more frequent drip than a one or two a minute drip ratio.
A PSS Seal would have a hose attached to it (new versions of it) and it could be how they ran the hose for that.
Or that hose could be attached to the weep hole under the aft cabin floor. That why I suggested checking under there.
Either way, the source of a hose with a constant flow of water has to be found.

 

[MikeTheHunter]

Sorry guys. Someone in the marina knew right away. I'm a newbie in NC from MA. The humidity is like NE on steroids. So everyone has A/C including my little boat. Very spoiled, I know. I knew, of course, that (river) water was being pumped in the blue/black hose in the picture through a heat exchange something - in fact, it already got blocked once. What I didn't realize is that condensation from the condenser exited separately to the bilge. It's just the 100% humidity today that turned a drip, drip into a trickle.

 

[MikeTheHunter]

Is that the seawater Strainer to the engine in the picture? Mine is under the floor in the aft stateroom.

Ah, you have A/C then? Seems like my strainer spot is better. Anyway, I've posted the answer to my question. It was kind of a duh.

 

[sailcapt340]

Mike,
Well your right about the humidity. I have a brother-in-law in SC and I sweat just talking to him on the phone.
I asked about the strainer because it’s the same one I have for my engine intake. You didn’t say you had an AC Unit. It seems a bit small for an AC unit though. Maybe that’s why it’s clogging on you.
I do have AC but I have a Groco Strainer for mine. You might want to add a larger strainer, since all the plumbing is there now, it’s not that big of a job to swap it out.
Here is a photo of mine.
I’m glad it was condensation water. Easier to sleep at night (in every way).

 

[MikeTheHunter]

Here is a photo of mine.

Oh yes, that's a serious strainer. Good tip, totally clogged. Well-organized bilge, puts me (or the previous owners) to shame!

 

[sailcapt340]

Yes it is a serious strainer, it came as the original equipment with the A/C Unit when I installed it.
Your posting said you are pumping river water through yours now. How deep is your area your in?
To shallow and you'll be pulling all kinds of silts and stuff through the system. You may really need a bigger strainer to handle the new location your in now. Others at your new marina would be a good source of information as to what is needed there.
For now at least you have identified the plumbing, routing and possible trouble spot in your system.
Have a great season and enjoy the sailing.