Winterizing AC units

[NEDBETTY]

We have a CB 31 year 2014 is there a way when it’s too cold in the cabin to get the AC pumps to come on it’s 55° outside and the thermostat on the AC only goes to 65 so the pumps are not kicking on to run antifreeze through pump canister / screens
Thanks !!

 

[NEDBETTY]

I do have temp on 65 in stateroom and mid cabin and fan on 6 not auto

 

[CAPTCRUNCH]

Set it to heat at 75 degrees. I think the raw water flow is the same in either mode.

 

[NEDBETTY]

But if it’s 55 outside and in the cabin I can’t set the thermostat lower than 55 so the pump doesn’t come on because it’s not calling for air conditioning?

 

[NEDBETTY]

I did set it to 80 and put the fan on six it’s now 54 inside the cabin but the pumps not coming on I’m wondering maybe if minus AC only with no heat pump?

 

[knotflying]

Try checking your settings. It is usually automatic from A/C to heat, but your settings may be on manual.

 

[NEDBETTY]

Thanks our control only has on off for A/C no heat option and the fan is 1-6 or you can choose Auto but if the cabin is 55 and the lowest setting on thermostat is 65f then I am thinking like my house the A/C will run fan but the condenser wont come on so then pump does not come on as its not calling for ac due to lower cabin temp.
I am placing a small electric heater in cabin today to get it above 65 to see if that's it and will report back, if pump comes on... my plan is to turn off seacock remove lid from strainer and as they run I will dump in antifreeze till pink comes out the outlets

Thanks!!!!!

 

[Barry Cohen]

I winterized YOLO's AC unit last week. Just set the thermostat to something well above ambient temperature. Pumps will kick in and you will get heat.

Shut off the ball valve for the water that goes into the AC unit. Remove the hose forward of the small strainer and put a funnel in the open end of hose. Let the unit run dry of salt water. Then run fresh water for a minute of two. Then let it run dry of fresh waster. Then pour in pink antifreeze until it discharges. Shut off the unit. Replace hose and tighten hose clamp. You are winterized.

 

[NEDBETTY]

Barry
I did set the thermostat up in the 80s I had the fan set on six and it was running but no pump that I tried automatic instead of number six still no pump yeah the units are blowing air but I do not think the coils are on so just a fan

 

[NEDBETTY]

I’m assuming if the pump does get running point antifreeze into the strainer with the seacock turned off is the same as putting it in the hose as you recommend?

 

[CAPTCRUNCH]

Another way to push "the pink stuff" through the a/c heat exchanger is to supply it to the washdown pump and hose through the main raw water strainer and then use the hose/nozzle to force it into the outlet side of the dedicated strainer. The pump doesn't need to be running. A small hose-end "drain bladder" helps seal the connection. Keep pushing until pink stuff comes out the drain port. This or the funnel method is better than trying to keep up with the pump by pouring pink stuff into the strainer. I'm pretty sure it's a centrifugal pump that loses its prime pretty easily and is hard to get primed again.