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Post by allegria on Dec 13, 2013 0:27:50 GMT
Dear all, I had reported an issue regarding my bilge pump earlier this year, it turned out, the pump was perfectly fine. I discovered that after pulling the pump apart! The float switch was also working perfectly. The hose pipe was inspected and didn't show any sign of wear and tear. The last point of failure was the strainer... I had inspected it originally but couldn't see anything wrong. After removing the strainer and testing the bilge pump, I realised the strainer was the culprit. It was blocked. After further inspection, I discovered that the non return valve was stuck in closed position. I thought about getting a replacement but this was not easy to source so I bought some hydrochloric acid and plunge the strainer in it for a few minutes, shaking it in the process. The stainer came out all clean and the return valve was now moving freely. I re-install it on the boat and tested it, it is now working as designed. A big relief... I attached a picture of the strainer before the cleaning process. Please do this at your own risk. Take some precautions and wear gloves, protection glasses and do this in a well ventilated area, the fumes coming out of the process are not nice breathing! I hope this can be useful to someone... It is a good idea to test your bilge pump on a regular basis. I'm lucky enough to have a dry boat and therefore, the bilge pump doesn't get used much at all... It is probably what caused the seizure in the first place really. Happy festive season, Cheers, Allegria
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Post by so36idavid on Dec 13, 2013 7:02:28 GMT
Allegria,
I have a 36i, I don't recall seeing this valve. Where is it located?
Thx David
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Post by allegria on Dec 16, 2013 2:39:02 GMT
Hi David,
The strainer is located in the bilge well. My SO36 is from end of 2010.
Cheers, Allegria
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Post by bikerwookie on Dec 20, 2013 11:41:39 GMT
We had the same strainer on a 2013 33i and found the restriction it had was massive. Didn't trust it so replaced with a jabsco flap type one way valve modified to get to the bottom of the sump. It now pumps three times the volume of water.
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simon379
New Member
Posts: 9
Jeanneau Model: SO379
Yacht Name: Kandooma
Home Port: Portland Marina
Country: UK
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Post by simon379 on Mar 6, 2015 12:03:19 GMT
Just found and fixed this problem on our 379 - launched early 2012 so it hasn't taken long to gum up. Lesson learned if you want to test the bilge pump, pour some water into the bilge and make sure everything works! Note the strainer section at the base of the fitting unscrews which makes it easier to clean.
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Post by pmulcahy on Jul 15, 2018 20:25:58 GMT
This happened to our 2012 SO36i this weekend. We've tested the bilge pump at least once per season and had problems with a stuck valve flap in the pump last year but no strainer issues until 2018. I've got some mesh cable tied over the hose end until I can fix/replace the strainer/valve. Thanks for posting!
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Post by allegria on Jul 18, 2018 4:22:52 GMT
Hi pmulcahy,
The hydrochloric acid was a brute force fix... I would suggest you put it in white vinegar and leave it in there for 24 hours... this should have the same effect.
Let us know how you go...
Cheers, Allegria
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