clogged raw water intake

[splax]

Well, I went to take the boat out and it seemed OK for a while until I increase the RPMs. It then took on the unmuffled sound like when the intake valve is closed. I checked the valve and continued. After I had gone out, 15 minutes later my high temperature alarm sounded and I shut down the engine. I checked the valve again. I figured the intake had gotten clogged and decided to go over the side and check. (The correct way would have been to shut the valve, disconnect the hose, then open the valve to see if water flowed freely.) I didn't feel anything when I put my finger in the through-hull while in the very cold water, but when I got back to the dock and diconnected the hose I found a fish tail protruding from the fitting where a minnow had gotten sucked into the intake. I took a bit of effort, but the fish was removed, the hose reconnected, and the engine run successfully without overheating.

 

[Claude L.-Auger]

I picked up a used condom years ago :cussing: Whoever used it probably had a better time than me !!! Since then I have installed a through-hull skimmer. No more unwanted stuff to prevent good water flow. here is a WM model. About $40. Good luck

 

[splax]

Claude, thanks for sharing this solution.

 

[Dan Johnson]

Splax...

I carry a 12 volt tire inflator with an adaptor hose and tire valve clamped in it. Twice I've used it to clear an obstruction.

Close valve; remove raw water hose; open valve--no water fountain, close valve; install adaptor hose; attach pump; fire up pump and at about 80 pounds, open ball valve--acts like a torpedo shot; replace raw water hose and get back under way.

Last year the AC shut down on a hot day. Found a baby catfish got sucked into the raw water cooling hose and got trapped in the filter.

 

[Marc14857]

Clogged Raw Water Strainer

Another option depending how close the thru hull is to a domestic water faucet is to carry a piece of 3/4 tygon hose which should fit over the domestic water faucet. Remove the strainer and connect the other end of the tygon in a convienient place upstream of the thru hull. Remeber it does not have to be totally leak tight. Open the trru hull and turn on the domestic water which has about 30# of pressure with the pump running. Back flush as necessary.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Claude's idea has "some" reasonable opposition.

See this:

Why External Strainers are a Bad Idea 101 (Maine Sail) http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=124964

 

[chuckwayne]

Re: Splax...

you can use an air horn and rag to the same effect! works well

 

[John T1594]

Fish

I also installed an aft facing slotted thru hull skimmer on my 2000 H340 and have not had a blocked intake in many years. However, every year, when I check my raw water strainer in mid-season, I find a small fish alive and well inside. I guess he/she swims in when very small and lives and grows inside the strainer. Catch and release!

 

[Stu Jackson]

I use a dinghy foot pump to clear blockages, may not work on barnacles, though. Instead of taking off the hose at the inlet strainer, 'cuz the plumbing's too tight, I take off the hose from the strainer to the raw water pump at the pump, very easy access.