No Cooling Water to motor

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gkingshott

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Oct 23, 2008
8
Beneteau 411 Manila
I bought my B411 a year ago and have it moored Subic Bay, Philippines. Plan was some cruising round the islands whilst I am here on a three year contract. I would describe myself an inexperienced.
Have been convinced by a number of other expat boat owners to participate in Saturday afternoon races around the bouys of Subic Bay. Proving a lot of fun, apart from a recurring problem that happened again this weekend.
After some exhilerating racing in 20-25knots of wind that had us seriously heeled from time to time; when I came to start the auxillary(Yanmar 56hp), there is no sea water exiting the exhaust and it appears the system is just sucking air or has an airlock. Shut down, hoist sails again to sail it back to SBYC marina, but suspect I have to replace an impeller again. Guy who maintains the boat says that this must be a design flaw I need to live with and talks about shutting sea cocks, priming system at filter after racing etc etc.
This doesn't make sense to me, but only seems to happen when we (over) heel the boat. Thoughts anyone?
 
cymeyer

cymeyer

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Jul 8, 2005
522
Jeanneau 389 Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
I suspect you may have ruined your fresh water impeller?
 
DougM

DougM

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Jul 24, 2005
2,242
Beneteau 323 Manistee, MI
Sounds like the impeller is cooked. If it has run dry for any length of time, that is a good possibility. Note some of the recent posts in "ask all sailors" about failing globe impellers as compared to factory replacements. Also if the blades have come off, make sure you get all of the debris out of the cooling system when the impeller is changed.

You might want to check the cooling water intake and thru-hull to be sure they are not obstructed.
 
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gkingshott

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Oct 23, 2008
8
Beneteau 411 Manila
Over heeling

Thanks for those who have responded. Yes, without question the impeller is cooked. This will be the second one in as many weeks.

My question is however, why is this happening?

As best I can understand, after a vigourous sail,(heeled to the poit of rails in the water) the water cooling system seems to drain out, so that when I start the aux engine after racing there is no cooling water circulating and within minutes the impeller is cooked.

Can't accept that there would be such a design fault ( as my maintenance guy is suggesting). Thoughts on other causes?
 
cymeyer

cymeyer

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Jul 8, 2005
522
Jeanneau 389 Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
Re: Over heeling

I know this is a stupid question, but is the valve for water intake open? Without water, the impeller will of course cook quickly.
 
Ron20324

Ron20324

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Jan 22, 2008
8,050
Beneteau 323 Annapolis MD
Between the thru hull and the impeller there is a strainer somewhere. When I clean mine, there is actually some little stones in there.
 
Mike B

Mike B

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Apr 15, 2007
1,013
Beneteau 43 Baltimore, MD
It sounds like it's being siphoned out as you sail. Usually it's the opposite where water will be sucked into the boat. Either way I'd do as recommended and check to make sure the strainer is not clogged. If it's clear check to see if you have a siphon break in the system. If you do the siphon may be clogged and need cleaning. Can't think of anything else that would cause it. Good luck
 
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gkingshott

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Oct 23, 2008
8
Beneteau 411 Manila
Re: Over heeling

Thanks and yes, the water intake is open. When I motor out to the course before a race, everthing is normal. Water exiting exhaust.
 
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gkingshott

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Oct 23, 2008
8
Beneteau 411 Manila
Ron,Mike,
Sounds like you are both on to something here. Yes it does appear the water siphons out when I am sailing, so I will have my guy check the system for a syphon break and strainers etc as suggested. Thanks, much appreciated.
 
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