H260 Water Faucet problems

[Dave Miller]

I have a 2001 H260. Stored the boat with antifrezze in the water system about 3 gallons - circulated through the plumbing before buttoning her up for winter.This spring, I took her out of storage and pumped the antifrezze out of the tank - no problem.Filled the tank with fresh water and the faucets all pumped fine until the water level in the tank dropped below the vent tube (about 1.5 inches from the top) to the tank then they quit pumping water.Filled the tank again and the faucets worked until the water level was below the vent tube (1.5 inches from the top).So, I tried sticking a hose through the fill opening to drain the water out of basically a siphon but couldn't get the hose all the way into the tank. So for the heck of it I filled the tank again leaving the siphone hose in and when the take was full, water came shooting out the overfill vent on the port side of the bow. It was odd, because when I filled the tank without the siphon hose in, water never came out of the overfill vent. Further, the faucets would now pump again and emptied the tank several inches below the vent tube (4 inches from top) but then they quit pumping as before. I repeated this procedure - siphon hose, fill, pump to 4 inches from top and quit pumping.So I don't know what is causing the problem but I am not able to pump out the entire tank. One final symptom, when I open the cap to the tank afer I have pumped and it has quit, it is always under pressure. I don't know if that is normal or not.If you can help I would appreciate it.Dave

 

[Peggie Hall/Head Mistress]

I THINK I know what your problem is...

Your vent line is blocked, causing the pump to pull a vacuum when all the air in the tank is exhausted. It's either full of water--there's a sag in that's allowing water to pool in it--or the vent thru-hull is blocked...prob'ly with a dirt dauber nest. Your tank isn't releasing air when you open the fill, it's sucking air in. To see whether I'm right, disconnect the vent line from the tank. If I am, you'll be able to empty the tank.To correct the problem, clean out the thru-hull and eliminate the sag in the line by either shortening it or turn the sag into an arch. Depending upon where the thru-hull is, and whether it's under water when you're heeled, an arch may be the better approach.

 

[Mark]

check this

Many posts ago this came up and I advised that our new 260 had the fresh water tank intalled on its side thus the outlet was half way up the tank. We cut the tapes, laid the tank down with the outlet on the bottom. I also fitted non return vales at the "T" piece and kept the "T" piece blow the bottom of the tank level.Just putting the tank the right way was good, however fitting non return valves on either side of the "T" piece has meant that the pumps "never" fail. They work perfectly!

 

[VEGA]

Thanks for the advice

Thank you both - both good ideas. This is what I think - the galley faucet is bad, in that it leaks and lets air back into the system. So when I fill the tank and then begin to pump, it pumps water until the level of water is below the vent tube, then the galley looses pressure.Because the head and galley faucet are connected with a T beyond the valve, the head faucet looses pressure as it is pumping air from the galley faucet leak.If I force water into the system, then the vent tube fills up will water allowing the faucets to pump water a little longer but then the vent clears and the systems doesn't work.I pulled the galley faucet off the valve and plug that part of the T. Then my head faucet worked normal and pumped water no problem.So I think the faucet in the galley is bad. I will call our dealer tomorrow because the boat is only one year old and these faucets have received very little use.I'll let you know if this fixes the problem.The good news is the temp finally climbed close to 80 in Minnesota and we had a great day sailing in 10-15 with bright sun all day - not bad!Happy Memorial Day!Dave MillerVEGA

 

[Alan]

The check valve is where the water hose attaches..

and can become clogged quite easily. CAREFULLY detach the water hose and unscrew the valve. If you blow into it from the water hose adapter side it should be easy. From the pump side it should not allow any air in. You could clean them with a stream of water These valves clog and break easily. They cost 2.70 each at Hunter. There should be a washer between the pump and valve. If not replace it or use teflon tape. The pumps are easy to open. Lots of plastic inside which can also crack. If cracked may not pump well and can slip internally. If you are loosing the prime it's a bad check valve or seal between pump and check valve or small hole in hose. alan

 

[Mark]

By the way

I forgot to mention but one simple test I did was to have someone hold their finger tightly over the outlet on one pump whilst I pumped the other. This helped to identify which pump was failing for if one sucks air neither will worl. I ended up doing what I posted and they have not missed a beat since. Work perfectly.regards