Need advice re: Groco HF

[Bob La Salle]

Dear Peggy,My MSD has worked fine all season but now will not draw in sea water. The through hull valve is open

 

[Guest]

My guess is...

The flapper valve (which Groco calls a "gasket with spring"--part #s 10 and 25 on the exploded drawing) has failed...possibly only the spring. Or, you may just have pulled some debris into the intake that's hanging it up or clogged it. Take it apart to see, and if you can't find anything, give Groco a call on Monday... 410-712-4242.

 

[Don]

Had the same problem with my HF

In my case, the flapper valve seal in the upper pump housing had swelled and caused it to stick. A problem I firmly believe was caused by running a little bleach water thru the head. Won't do that again. I trimmed the seal down with a pair of scissors and now works fine. BTW, BoatUS sells individual parts for the Groco, so you don't have to buy a complete (and expensive) rebuild kit.

 

[Les Murray]

My Grocco HE had the same problem

I had to rebuild the pump assembly. The rubber grommet was bad where the pump handle enters the pump assembly.Les Murrays/v Ceilidh'86 C-36 #560

 

[Bob La Salle]

Thanks, friends...

Will disassemble the pump assembly this week and hopefully solve the problem. Thanks for your input. I'll post my results for anyone's future reference.

 

[Bob La Salle]

You guys were absolutely correct

It was a badly damaged gasket in the intake valve assembly, easy to fix with a spare part that I had. I don't like the design of this Groco HF; allows sea water to seep into and fill the bowl when the through-hull valve is open, thus filling the holding tank quicker than it should. Closing the through-hull valve after each use solves the problem, but it's inconvenient. Thanks for your input and advice.