Engine water inlet grate - R31

[pickles]

Hi

I have been plagued this year with weed blocking the thru-hull mounted engine cooling water inlet grate on my 2013 R31. I think through reading these forums that newer boats may have been fitted with a larger grate. Is it possible to get details such as part number for this and whether it is possible to retrofit it?

Many Thanks
Pickles

 

[sheral]

I have read that some boats have two inlets. May be a consideration should you end up modifying what you have during non-boating season.

 

[knotflying]

I wouldn't try to get larger holes. They are meant to screen out things that could get into the cooler or impeller. Your through hull assembly is doing its job. I'd rather deal with weeds in the screen than those that clog the cooler. Try avoiding the weeds as much as possible and check keep the screen clean often.

 

[pickles]

Hi

I am not thinking of making holes in the strainer or grate bigger, the onboard strainer works fine. What I am referring to, is the grate on the outside of the hull, when this get clogged, it involves me donning a facemask/snorkel and diving under the boat and pulling weed from the grate.

Not that I need much excuse for going for a swim 😀 but I am thinking a larger grate with an increased surface area would lessen the chances of clogging by reducing the water pressure over such a small area as compared to the current fitting.

Thanks
Pickles

 

[R Baker]

We've experienced very heavy weeding on the Trent Severn this season, and , as a result blockage of all strainers at one time or another. Since most if not all debris is caught in the strainers, I wonder if the exterior bronze grate is really necessary.

 

[knotflying]

I think a bigger exterior grate will just be a bigger exterior grate clogging up with more weed. I have not used this but you may want to carry this on the boat. DiversiTech Drain Gun for A/C Condensate Lines. https://www.amazon.com/DiversiTech-GG-1-Charles-Gallo-Condensate/dp/B00207UAU6 Close your sea cock and remove your strainer. Hold the rubber end against the inlet, open the sea cock and let her blow. I have done this with a water hose when an intake got clogged and it worked. So I don't see why it won't work with air.

 

[coreychamness]

Last year I rented a plumber's air gun to blow the blockage out of our intake from the inside. Very similar idea. Rented the device from local tool rental shop for 10 bucks

Corey

 

[Bill & Donna Sibbers]

When the underwater pickup strainer gets clogged first try going in reverse. This will work a vast majority of the time. For emergency back flushing I carry a billows style toilet plunger that fits into a 90degree PVC joint. Or use a water hose at the dock if close enough. Moving the boat in reverse is your first solution.

 

[pickles]

Hi

Many thanks for all the advice on de-weeding the inlet grate. Greatly appreciated. Am looking if there is a solution to reduce occurrences of the grate getting blocked , so back to the original question for a Ranger rep…namely

Have newer R31’s been fitted with a larger inlet grate? ( or is this just a rumor 😀 )

Many thanks
Pickles

 

[Andrew Custis]

Pickles,

We have changed to a different sea strainer on the newer models but the inlet grate I believe to be of a very similar design.