Flushing raw water circuit

[rsotomayor]

We have had a lot of Sargasso coming in to the area. When it rots , forms a black paste which accumulates in the strainer basket.

No problem there as it is easily cleaned. My question is- if the stuff gets past the strainer, does the circuit need to be flushed ?

Thank you.

 

[Benny17441]

It won't hurt but is the work necessary? Salt, minerals and other particles tend to accumulate in the hoses and the exchanger but they do take a long while to create a clog or bring about a loss of cooling efficiency. Clean the strainer frequently and observe the water flow out of the exhaust port for any diminished capacity. This will give you an adequate early warning of a clog being formed. This sea grass blooms don't last long and being biodegradable leave no lasting effects. The strainer will clog up and overheat the engine way before other parts of the system get clogged. I make it a practice that every time I start the engine to look at the exhaust flow as it will tell me the impeller is working and by the flow of water that the system is clear.

 

[rsotomayor]

Thank you. My concern was really that the strainer was getting more stuff than usual - guess that is what is for . The strainer on the Yanmar is close to the engine. I wonder if there would be any benefit to adding one just past the intake valve ?

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

I wonder if there would be any benefit to adding one just past the intake valve ?

If your raw water intake line is a clearing house for Sargasso weed, there may be an advantage in installing another one upstream of the existing filter. What you are looking for in the new strainer is a basket which is a little coarser than the existing strainer. In this way, you'll take some of the load off the existing strainer.

 

[rsotomayor]

Thank you, makes a lot of sense.
Will definitely look into this.