Cruise Air AC condensate pump failure

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PDReynolds

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Sep 19, 2011
53
Beneteau Oceanis 423 Rhode Island
Hi Folks,
I have a couple of Cruise Air self contained AC units on my 2006 Beneteau. The system work well with the exception of the condensate pumps in each unit. (One in the aft and the other under the settee. Beneteau / Cruise Air were nice enough to install some small condensate pumps to remove any condensate from the pan and discharge over the side... prevents the bilge from getting condensate in it as the pan drains.

Both pumps have now failed and the condensate just drips over the pan that contains the AC unit. Is there any typical maintenance to these little condensate pumps or is just a replace in kind item. The pump is green and labeled Drain Pan Pump and made by EDC International... made in England. Maybe something local (USA) would be better?
 
BigEasy

BigEasy

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Jun 21, 2004
2,765
Beneteau 343 Slidell, LA
I would ensure that you are getting power to the pumps to eliminate possible blown fuse or corroded connections. If there is a separate float type switch, check for power to the switch and corrosion. If possible disassemble the pump and check for obstructions and corrosion.
It would likely be cost prohibitive to return the pumps to the manufacturer; therefore, the most practical option would be to replace with new pumps, if you can't repair them yourself. These low volume pumps can be purchased for about $25 each.
 
Don S/V ILLusion

Don S/V ILLusion

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Sep 25, 2008
7,336
Alden 50 Sarasota, Florida
Get a venturi tube, install it on the pan drain and run it to the A/C pump discharge hose. No moving parts to fail and a lot cheaper.

Replacing a pump not designed to run dry is just repeating the same mistake.
 
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PDReynolds

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Sep 19, 2011
53
Beneteau Oceanis 423 Rhode Island
Don S/V ILLusion said:
Get a venturi tube, install it on the pan drain and run it to the A/C pump discharge hose. No moving parts to fail and a lot cheaper.

Replacing a pump not designed to run dry is just repeating the same mistake.
Click to expand
Great idea! There are 2 AC discharge lines that are 1/2" each. The condensate drain tube looks to be 1/4" tubing.

Do you know of a good place to order the Venturi that could adapt to my line size for my AC discharge line? Defender and West Marine did not seem to have any such device. I did see some venturi tees with a google search, but not sure if they could be adapted.
 
Don S/V ILLusion

Don S/V ILLusion

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Sep 25, 2008
7,336
Alden 50 Sarasota, Florida
PDReynolds said:
Great idea! There are 2 AC discharge lines that are 1/2" each. The condensate drain tube looks to be 1/4" tubing.

Do you know of a good place to order the Venturi that could adapt to my line size for my AC discharge line? Defender and West Marine did not seem to have any such device. I did see some venturi tees with a google search, but not sure if they could be adapted.
Click to expand
the differing diameter is insignificant given the relatively small volume of water to move and the adapters can be found in any plumbing supply or big box store plumbing section. As to the source, I got mine at a waterbed store (used to remove the water) but onlines are likely just as cheap if not cheaper.

WM does sell one under the name "Condensator" but for gold plated prices.
 
Bob 04 H260

Bob 04 H260

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May 16, 2007
1,509
Boatless ! 26 Ottawa, Ontario
I bought a venturi pump from Defender designed for AC systems. It is expensive but I was able to buy it on sale for half price, http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|2061076|2061077|2061085&id=162519

Many sailors use a plastic venturi purchased from a pond or aquarium supply, they only cost about $15 and they seem to like them a lot. A search of the Hunter forums will turn up the thread.

I'm quite happy with the one I bought, quiet and works well.

Bob
 
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Captn TJ

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Nov 24, 2012
586
Bob 04 H260 said:
I bought a venturi pump from Defender designed for AC systems. It is expensive but I was able to buy it on sale for half price, http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|2061076|2061077|2061085&id=162519

Many sailors use a plastic venturi purchased from a pond or aquarium supply, they only cost about $15 and they seem to like them a lot. A search of the Hunter forums will turn up the thread.

I'm quite happy with the one I bought, quiet and works well.

Bob
Click to expand
Ouch that's a lot more than what I paid for the EDC pump.
 
capta

capta

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Jun 4, 2009
4,905
Pearson 530 Admiralty Bay, Bequia SVG
There is a good possibility that both pumps are fouled with lint. It settles on the vanes of the heat exchanger and the dripping condensation can move it into the drip pan and on to the pump. Try cleaning the pumps out.
I have all that going to the shower sumps by gravity and a couple of times a year I clean the exchanger vanes and drip lines, not too much work.
 
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