No Prime Water Pump

[Jerry Villines]

The cooling pump on my fridge looses it's prime. From time to time, especially after heeling to port, I need to remove the output hose to let the pump pump a little water then reconnect then hose. It works fine, for a while, maybe 3-5 days maybe 2-3 cycles then looses it's prime. I have tried moving the pump lower, changing its angle, and making sure that there are no downhill points in the exit hose. What next?

 

[Larry W.]

Pump losing prime

Jerry; I suspect you have a leak on the suction side. Tighten/inspect all connections and make sure the filter is clean, which might be where the leak is.

 

[ryan]

prime time

what make pump do you have?If it is a non self priming model, it must be installed below the water line, regardless of heel. It sounds as if that is the problem. As you heel over, the pump thru hull sucks air and you lose your prime.

 

[Phil Williams]

Scoop Thru-hull

Two things to look for in solving your pump prime problem. Is the pump always below the water line even when on a tack? Is there a scoop facing forward over the thru hull? If not this will cause a lack of water in the pump even if the thru hull is below the water line. I have done hundreds of pump installations and never had a pump fail due to lack of water when a scoop is placed over the inlet and it stays below the water line.Phil WilliamsWAECO Adler/Barbour, Inc.