The water pressure pump on my 2003 Cat 320 cycles for a fraction of a second about every seven or eight seconds when the water pressure switch is on. It did not do this when new. I have been told to check hose connections throughout the boat to look for leaks. But it seems to me that if I had leaks, the bilge pump would be running a lot. It isn't. Also, I doubt that all those "connections" would be accessible. Does anyone have a solution?
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Water Pressure
I had the same problem and it did turn out to be a small leak in a connection that alloid enough water out that it activated the pump. One other possibility is a short in the pump connection.
I had the same problem and it did turn out to be a small leak in a connection that alloid enough water out that it activated the pump. One other possibility is a short in the pump connection.
Know it well
I have the same problem on my 350. Every 15 min it runs for a second. When I turned off the water at the distribution manifold it ran every 2 minutes for a split second. No leaks between the pump and the manifold, that would indicate to me its the pump losing pressure. I was informed such problems are about impossible to find and that basicly I should get over it.
I have the same problem on my 350. Every 15 min it runs for a second. When I turned off the water at the distribution manifold it ran every 2 minutes for a split second. No leaks between the pump and the manifold, that would indicate to me its the pump losing pressure. I was informed such problems are about impossible to find and that basicly I should get over it.
320 connections are accessible.
You have a small leak somewhere. It may be evaporating before it gets to the bilge. The most likely culprit, in my opinion, is the hot water heater pressure relief valve under the galley sink.
You have a small leak somewhere. It may be evaporating before it gets to the bilge. The most likely culprit, in my opinion, is the hot water heater pressure relief valve under the galley sink.
Why Not Fix It?
Guys, The leak could be on the INLET side. If you were ever around and running your faucets when the water tank goes empty, the pump will continue to run. So, you could either have an air leak on the inlet side, or a small water leak on the outlet side. Go find it and fix it, it just ain't fair to the pump. Stu
Guys, The leak could be on the INLET side. If you were ever around and running your faucets when the water tank goes empty, the pump will continue to run. So, you could either have an air leak on the inlet side, or a small water leak on the outlet side. Go find it and fix it, it just ain't fair to the pump. Stu
Air Leak
Stu, where would the air leak most likely occur? Any recommendation what steps to take to trouble shoot this?
Stu, where would the air leak most likely occur? Any recommendation what steps to take to trouble shoot this?
Air Leak
It would most likely occur at the connection to the tank or piping manifold. Our boat has two tanks with valves to a manifold and then to the pump. With only one tank, it's obvious. Check the hose clamps, better yet, replace the hose and clamps. Try non-hardening pipe dope on the connections between the hose and the barbs. The other problem could be with the pump pressure sensor itself, so you'd need to find out what pump you have and get more details either in your manuals or on-line. [Catalina and other builders have used different pumps over the years, so asking what pump "X" manufacturer makes won't help here, you need to go look at what it is you actually have onboard.] Last but not least, simply check to see if there are any kinks or sharp bends in your hose, which may have started to puncture the wall of the tubing and started a leak. Chafe will do it, too. So much for last
- while you're at it, if you water system hoses are a problem, check on your water hoses to and from your engine, they could also have "issues." Good luck, Stu
It would most likely occur at the connection to the tank or piping manifold. Our boat has two tanks with valves to a manifold and then to the pump. With only one tank, it's obvious. Check the hose clamps, better yet, replace the hose and clamps. Try non-hardening pipe dope on the connections between the hose and the barbs. The other problem could be with the pump pressure sensor itself, so you'd need to find out what pump you have and get more details either in your manuals or on-line. [Catalina and other builders have used different pumps over the years, so asking what pump "X" manufacturer makes won't help here, you need to go look at what it is you actually have onboard.] Last but not least, simply check to see if there are any kinks or sharp bends in your hose, which may have started to puncture the wall of the tubing and started a leak. Chafe will do it, too. So much for last
- while you're at it, if you water system hoses are a problem, check on your water hoses to and from your engine, they could also have "issues." Good luck, StuWater Pump leaks
MY pump on my 1981 TRBS was acting up too. The PO had installed an external Jabsco fitting to allow a hose to be attached at dock to have fresh water in the boat. The Jabsco fitting has a check valve built into it and began to fail when a hose was not attached to the fitting as water ever so slightly was leaking out. Replaced the fitting and everything is fine.
MY pump on my 1981 TRBS was acting up too. The PO had installed an external Jabsco fitting to allow a hose to be attached at dock to have fresh water in the boat. The Jabsco fitting has a check valve built into it and began to fail when a hose was not attached to the fitting as water ever so slightly was leaking out. Replaced the fitting and everything is fine.
Water pressure
Bill: "Impossible to find," and "get over it." I got a chuckle out of that. I've done considerable carpentry, wiring and some plumbing -- but boat systems tend to baffle me. I may have to just get over it until I can find someone swifter than me to sniff this one out.
Bill: "Impossible to find," and "get over it." I got a chuckle out of that. I've done considerable carpentry, wiring and some plumbing -- but boat systems tend to baffle me. I may have to just get over it until I can find someone swifter than me to sniff this one out.
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