E1 Error on A/C Units

[Lori's Den]

2019 Ranger Tug 29CB with Webasto FCF Marine air conditioning units. Both my units shut down with and “E1” error message. “Compressor High Pressure Protection”. My basket is clean, so I am guessing that it is the Sea Water Pump? Currently the boat is on the Hudson River where the water temperature is about 70 degrees. Any suggestions?

 

[CaptT]

Sea water flow? Have you had the boat out of the water? Sea.cock closed? Sometimes I have to loosen the basket lid and pour in water or loosen the wing nuts on the front of the pump, until water flows out, just to get a prime to the pump. The basket is above the water line which leads to a loss of prime on occasion.
Terry

 

[KKRCRACE]

I agree with CaptT plus I might add that my Webasto AC unit is water flow sensitive. I have a 2018 C24 and now this year I have to flush the system probably once a month. If I don’t the unit shuts down and has the E1 code. So far flushing both ways seems to work for me.
KKRCRACE

 

[CruisingElvinRay]

I agree with CaptT plus I might add that my Webasto AC unit is water flow sensitive. I have a 2018 C24 and now this year I have to flush the system probably once a month. If I don’t the unit shuts down and has the E1 code. So far flushing both ways seems to work for me.
KKRCRACE

Are you flushing with just fresh water? Or a chemical? Interested in your process.


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[KKRCRACE]

My unit has a Tee after the pump that I use to prime the AC when needed. I hook the water hose to the Tee and turn on the hose and the AC unit at the same time and that flushes the lines and AC unit. I also flush the strainer through the through hull by sticking a cut off hose with tape wrapped around the end to fit the hole in the strainer. The tape is to make it a tight fit. I do the feed line to the strainer then I do the feed line to the pump and turn the AC unit on to flush the strainer to pump and also the AC unit. I just use fresh water so far and let it run for an hour or so. The local Marine AC specialist said I needed a new unit and that’s when I started flushing the unit which has worked so far. I hope this works for you.
KKRCRACE

 

[BB marine]

When trouble shooting water flow issue the first inspection. ( Does the installation match the Manufactures requirements? ) Of all the installs in Rangers and Cutwaters that I have looked at Dometic or Webasto the pump is mounted higher than the water line and the water fall from pump to thru hull has (peaks and valleys) The water flow from the pump to unit and unit to thru hull discharge has many peaks and valleys. The water flow piping should be installed so water flow highest point is the thru hull discharge and the lowest point the thru hull intake. If installed this way per manufactures requirements, priming and frequent flushing is not required because the system will self drain and sea critters don't live in the system. A occasional muriatic flushing or barnacle buster solution may be necessary to remove mineral deposits.


Summary of the seawater system installation:
1. Install the speed scoop thru-hull inlet as close to the keel and as far below the water line as possible, facing forward. Bed the scoop with a marine sealant designed for underwater use.
2. Install a bronze, full flow seacock on the speed scoop thru-hull inlet.
3. Install a seawater strainer below the level of the pump with access to filter.
4. Mount the pump above the strainer and at least 1’ (305mm) below the waterline.
5. Connect the seacock and strainer with an uphill run of 5/8" reinforced marine grade hose.
6. Connect the discharge from the pump uphill to the bottom inlet of the air conditioning unit's condenser coil with
5/8" hose. Connect the discharge from the condenser coil to the overboard discharge thru-hull fitting with 5/8"
hose.
7. Avoid loops, high spots or the use of 90° elbows with seawater hose (each 90° elbow is equivalent to 2.5'
(762mm) of hose and a 90° elbow on the pump outlet is equivalent to 20' (6.1m) of hose).
8. Double clamp all hose connections with stainless steel clamps, reversing the clamps.
9. Use thread sealer on all threaded connections.
10. Connect all metallic parts in contact with seawater to the vessel's bonding system including the speed
scoop inlet, strainer, pump and the air conditioner. Failure to do so will void warranty.

E1 is a water flow issue for sure. If you find that the system installation is done correctly and the pump is not pumping water you may have a bad pump. If you prime the system and the pump still is not pumping you may have a bad pump. If the system lost prime and the installation is incorrect pump above the water line. You must prime the system. There are two solutions to eliminate this issue (1) install the system to manufacturer requirements or(2) install a self priming pump. If you are having issues with marine growth fouling the system clean up the install by getting rid of all the peaks and valleys in the piping run (Hose run).

 

[CruisingElvinRay]

The pump failed on our 2021 R-23, swapped it out under warranty. No problems since. Tip from the AC installer that replace the pump was to burp the system, of necessary due to airlock, by loosening the outlet hose just enough to let the air out (with the pump running) and then retightening. Haven’t had to do this yet, but it’s good to know.

We are,paranoid about ensuring strong water flow from the outlet port. Whenever we turn on the A/C, we check it visually, either from the cockpit or port side window. it should be a strong stream. Of it weakens, I know to check the strainer.

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