44 HP Yanmar sump

[Henry Lopez]

I have a 1984 Hunter 40 that is powered by a 44HP Yanmar diesel. The sump under the engine, intended I assume to collect oil so that it doesn't flow into the bilge and pumped out, collects water. I don't know where it's coming from. On occasion, I can pump a half to a whole bucket of water out of this sump area daily. It isn't water accumulating from migrating rain water. There isn't any water leaking from the shaft packing. My bilge is powder dry most of the time, or not enough water for the float to come on. I'm considering mounting a small Rule pump in the sump (don't know how to do that yet, cause I don't want to attempt screwing into the bottom of a sump that accumulates water in it), and pump the water out via a small diameter hose to my bilge. What gives???

 

[Ken Michaelchuck]

Check to see if Hoses are Properly Connected

Henry, I own a Hunter 376 with a Yanmar 3 cylinder Diesel and attended some Yanmar classes. Though I did not have the situation on my Hunter, the instructor stated that there were some Yanmars installed by Hunter that actually had some water hoses connected incorrectly -- and that this would cause the type of discharge you are seeing. Since I did not have the problem, I didn't pay close attention and can't give you any details--but I do remember that the internal cooling system hoses you see in the front of the engine--about 1" dia were involved. Suggest you contact the a Hunter dealer or a Yanmar dealer to see if they are familiar with this. I would NOT install any sump pump in this area as eventually you will discharge oil--it is designed to be isolated and require manual cleanouts. Good luck, Ken

 

[Ken Michaelchuck]

On Further Reflection

Henry, The problem you describe is more likely a problem with a leaking raw water hose/connection. As I recall the Q&A from my Yanmar Class, the mis-connected hose issue would have not resulted in so much effluent. To test this, I would have to ask, do you have to add water to your engine's internal cooling system? If not, it is a raw water problem and most likely a leak. Have you observed the engine compartment while motoring? Given you are getting that much water, you should be able to see the leak. Again, I would caution you not to even think about installing a sump pump in this area--to much risk of illegal discharge. Hope this helps. Ken

 

[Ron Hughes]

a small leak can grow...

Henry, Fire up the engine, turn on some lights, and spend a while looking for your leak. If the water is not green (meaning antifreeze)it is most certainly raw water. Check for corroded or loose hose clamps on all of your hoses, hell, check the whole raw water system until you find your leak and fix it. If you hesitate, you will be in for a big leak in the future.Machines don't fix themselves. They do however, sometimes give a bit of warning that a failure is coming.....heed yours and its a non problem, procrastinate and......!P.S. I think that I've suitably reminded myself that I'd better go to the boat tomorrow and find the source of that little green seep in MY sump!All good wishes!Ron Hughes s/v "Best Revenge" H 40.5