Servicing Raw Water Filter

[FlightRisk1]

I have a Groco ARG 500 raw water filter on my '76 Atomic 4 engine. I've had the boat 5 yrs. and I've never cleaned the raw water filter. The engine runs great (knock wood). First, is this a task I can do with the boat in the water or would it be prudent to wait until out for bottom job? Second, The filter is installed (not by me) with the "IN" port closest to the water pump and the "OUT" port is closest to the thruhull valve . The engine does not run hot and there is approx 2 and 1/2 gals of water exhausting out the back. Shouldn't the filter be installed like this: intake thru hull, filter "IN" port, "OUT" port then water pump ?? Is there anything special I should know before I clean the basket strainer and wash out the clear holder. I have the service kit and will replace the o rings and washers as well. Thanks for your great help, MaineSail.

 

[RichH]

The difference between IN and OUT on a Groco type strainer is: on which 'side' of the 'basket screen' the debris is captured.

If the inlet water is entering the IN connection, the debris will accumulate on the inside of the 'basket screen' ... and then you can easily remove and clean the 'basket'. If the inlet is entering the OUT side the debris will collect on the 'outside' of the 'basket' and you may not be able to remove the basket for cleaning.
Regardless of the inlet/outlet markings on the strainer body .... the correct flow should be from 'inside' the strainer basket to 'outside' of the strainer basket .... all the gunk gets trapped on the inside the basket.

BTW Groco now offers a plastic stainer 'cap' for easier basket removal on the ARG500 .... the old bronze 'caps' can sometimes 'jam' shut, requiring the Groco 'wrench' or worse to open it. Get two, in case you ever break a plastic cap during a 'panic cleaning'.

 

[Maine Sail]

I would reverse the In/Out for easier cleaning. To clean out simply close the seacock, remove spin off cap, remove basket and clean it, clean or replace o-ring and clean mating surface too. Reinstall basket making sure handle does not block inlet, re-install cap and o-ring and open seacock...

 

[FlightRisk1]

Thanks for your help. This was easy and I had a chance to replace a hose. The filter was not dirty or clogged at all, but now it's clean and plumbed correctly. Cheers!