Air Conditioner Pump not working

[Rocky Lou]

When I switch on the Relay Switch and AFT/Forward AC switches, the AC pump does not come on. Also, after running a while, without raw water pumping, I get an E3 error code. There are a number of posts stating that I should prime the pump as a first step. My boat is always in water and the sea cock is always open, so I don't know how it would lose prime, but, I very rarely use it. In any case, I have a diagram of the system and would like to understand better how I use a garden hose to prime the pump and whether this requires two people as one post suggests. There may also be other steps to consider first before priming the pump?

 

[sgeary]

I would suggest: 1) making sure the a/c sea strainer is clear and 2) that the a/c thru hull is reopened after checking the strainer. If this does not solve the problem, on our boat the a/c pump has four thumb screws. I loosen three of the screws a few turns and then have someone turn on the a/c. As soon as the pump turns on, I loosen the fourth screw and the air will quickly be purged from the pump. Re-tighten the 4th screw quickly and then re-tighten the other three. This process has always worked for me.

 

[DonD]

2014 R31cb The first method I used was to disconnect output hose from pump and when water started to flow I had water in the pump and it was primed . Second method was as above worked but previous owners had stripped the threads in the pump( plastic ) . I tried to repair but ended up getting new pump. Third method if hose or inlet blocked, I used garden hose placed in the strainer ( fit perfectly ) to blast water out thru the hose , Seacock and inlet , this has worked several times . Fourth method was air compressor I use to winterize, blast of 50psi works sometimes 100 psi cleared inlet. I have also had growth blocking engine intake as well as A/C, and generator and no access to air compresor . Had the boat pulled and clean and I was on my way. Hope this helps

 

[Mike and Sarah]

Our 310 Solara can loose prime. I think the water can drain back. Some times I have to crack the strainer open and let the air bubble out. Once the water flows out around the strainer lid tighten it back up and always starts flowing

 

[SeaCabin]

Also make sure the water pump is actually running……makes a low hum with slight vibration.

 

[Rocky Lou]

I've had the AC running for over an hour with the pump out on the port side running well. Thankfully, it was the easy solution to get the pump going again. I simply opened the strainer, let a bit of water out, and the pump case back on...thanks for all the suggestions.

I always hesitate to post a topic that has been discussed several times in past. However, it's good to have a set of solutions at hand for the next time.