schooner39

rufus1138 · Jun 13, 2014

the auto pilot could have done that if some interference was encountered suddenly with the flux gate compass, like a cast iron skillet falling past it in a cabinet or something of the like. the water pressure would be hard to diagnose but i would start with the tank vent and check all lines from there. does the pump sound like its running good, pressurizing good, need more description of what happens when you open the faucet.

quadrille38 · Jun 13, 2014

Can't help on he autopilot but on the water pressure there are a couple of quick check things. They are routine maintenance things and shouldn't take more than a few minutes to deal with.
First there is usually a strainer in the intake side of the pump. It could be clogged and simply need cleaning.
Next there are usually aeration screens on the end of each faucet. These too can be clogged with stuff. Even mineral scale from the water can clog them. If it's scale vinegar will dissolve it

After checking strainers next place to look is the pump itself. Is it turning on but not pumping. There might be a clog inside the pump. If it's not turning on there is usually a pressure switch that senses line pressure in kicks the pump on when the faucet is opened. If pump isn't turning on then perhaps the pressure switch or the pump itself have failed.

Stu Jackson · Jun 13, 2014

All autopilot and pressure pump instruction manuals include troubleshooting ideas. They are all available on the web.

weinie · Jun 13, 2014

Was your AP hooked into GPS and you had entered a waypoint?

quadrille38 · Jun 14, 2014

schooner39 said:
The pump does sound as if it is working. The pressure in the fore and aft heads are suddenly normal, again. All that I did was flush the forward head for about 5 seconds. The pressure in the galley is still adribble.

First and easiest thing to try is to remove the aerator from the end of the galley faucet. They unscrew but you may need tool to grip. Be careful if you aren't familiar there are several pieces in the aerator. You don't want them to fall out and not get them back in the right order.

With the aerator off turn the faucet on and see what the flow is like. It there is a clog in the line you may be able to flush it out. Will also tell you if the aerator is the problem. They can be cleaned with a toothbrush and vinegar. But also they are cheap at any hardware / plumbing store and you might just replace it.

Another thought - is it a dribble on both hot and cold water? If hot do a search on recent posts. I just went through an issue as have some others where cold flow was good but hot was a dribble. There is a mixer valve on the water heater that is designed to help extend the hot water. It has screens in it that can get clogged. Details on cleaning or replacing it in those posts. I tried cleaning then ended up replacing.

Mulf · Jun 14, 2014

Had the same thing this spring...

... with just one of three faucets. It barely trickled out. The aerator on that one was almost completely clogged. Checked the others and found only minor debris. Go figure!

Rick D · Jun 15, 2014

AP

I have had a couple of 90 degree turns over time (15 years). In each case, I had the AP navigating to a WP. Twice, it happened around military exercises around San Diego. Maybe coincidence, or maybe some GPS signal mischief. However, it has happened other than that. Once, I saw the GPS lose its signal for a few seconds. Have no clue why although it may have been someone on the starboard stern seat resting their hand on the GPS antenna. I am suspicious that may have been a cause and have incorporated that prohibition into orientations. as far as water, good suggestions here. Faucet strainers and filters are a place to start. It's a maintenance item for both, especially after sitting for a while. Good luck!

Jeff10528 · Jun 15, 2014

I just bought an H430 last summer, had the sharp turn syndrome on the delivery trip. I also had some known water damage to the Raymarine components mounted in the Nav Sta panel. The Ray dealer we worked with said he had seen that several times prior and that tha AH brains had been scrambled. But, when the new system was being installed , the FG Compass was found to have fallen off it's mounting. It did not make a difference any way as we had decided to replace the entire system.

Just this past week the wife complained about low pressure on the cold water side of the galley sink. I thought it odd that all the others worked fine. After two bucks worth of O rings and a flat faucet washer, it now works fine. I'm sure that in different areas based on water chemistry and additives in water treatment that old age may come at differing times. But with boats of this age, such failures must be expected .