Raw Water Wash Down Failure

[Kimberly Dawn]

I was out on our local lake pretripping our boat for a pending road trip. I tried to run my wash down and initially got pump action, but no water to the hose. The pump quit. All valves were in the open position, and the system lighted rocker switch was illuminated in the on position. The fuse block 20 amp blade fuse was good. Periodic efforts to turn system on might activate pump for a blip or nothing at all.

I ran my raw water toilet without any issues, so raw water intake is operational.

Does the pump require special priming for first seasonal use? I've never had to baby it before. Or do I have a pump on its last leg?

Thanks for any insight!

 

[knotflying]

Not sure of your exact setup. Mine has a small valve at the hose connection. Make sure that is open. I also have a fuse as part of the setup at the hose connection. If you have one make sure the fuse is in good condition and the contacts for the fuse are clean. Also check your electrical connections to the switch. If all that checks out, try running temporary power to the pump directly and rule out a bum switch. If the pump won't start after all that it is most likely the pump.

 

[BB marine]

I was out on our local lake pretripping our boat for a pending road trip. I tried to run my wash down and initially got pump action, but no water to the hose. The pump quit. All valves were in the open position, and the system lighted rocker switch was illuminated in the on position. The fuse block 20 amp blade fuse was good. Periodic efforts to turn system on might activate pump for a blip or nothing at all.

You have water to the system, based on head usage. Is the pump filter clean? Is the outlet valve open and clear at hose connection ? The pump will not operate if there is pressure on discharge side of pump. It must have flow or it will auto shutdown (pressure switch). If inlet and outlet of the pump is clear all water lines clear and there is power at the switch (light on). The next check is confirm a good 12V connection at the pump. Possibly a poor connection at the butt connector. If the connection is good test voltage at the pump. If there is voltage at the pump and the pump motor doesn't operate you may have a bad motor or defective pressure switch.

 

[Markv108]

I'm not sure if this is pertinent, but on my Cutwater 302 I had to replace two of the three manual switches against the aft bulkhead that runs switches on the raw water washdown, blige pump and bait box. Had power to everthing but the switches failed.

 

[Kimberly Dawn]

Finally back from our Lake Chelan trip... 50-52 degree mountain lake, extremely deep (almost 1500 ft)... sustained 20 knot head winds coming down the winding mountain valley (50 miles), but we were at a protected federal dock. Last 2 days were flat water at the head of the lake (Stehekin)... never anchored. No cell service... very peaceful!

So, thanks for the feedback on my raw water pump issue, which still exists. I will first investigate the switch, although if switch light illuminates in on position, would that suggest switch is ok (Markv108)?

My pump is located behind the motor battery in stbd locker. Unfastening battery platform and pulling forward, I need to be prepared to disconnect all wires to access pump. Oh joy!

Thanks again for the help.

Bob
The Doghouse 2

 

[Rocky Lou]

I'm not sure if this is pertinent, but on my Cutwater 302 I had to replace two of the three manual switches against the aft bulkhead that runs switches on the raw water washdown, blige pump and bait box. Had power to everthing but the switches failed.

It was very relevant when my Wash Down failed. I was amazed to find the switch, on an almost new boat, completely corroded. I had some challenges finding the exact replacements, but, now have a few spares.