Just throwing this out there for consideration.
When I started re-plumbing the hoses and strainer for the A/C cooling pump, I found that the large, heavy-duty Groco strainer had a few issues. The big one was that that the stainless steel mesh strainer component actually had holes (from corrosion) in it large enough to pass debris potentially harmful to the pump impeller. I was also unhappy with its large size and how awkward it was to access in our small bilge compartments.
I decided (for better or worse) to utilize a much smaller and less expensive strainer that still flows the same amount of water. I have experienced too many occasions of critters, seeds, or weeds clogging the intake seacock and hose, but never really had a problem with the strainer clogging. So, I fail to see how the smaller strainer increases my risk of inadequate cooling flow.
If the cheaper strainer somehow does allow for a coolant system shutdown that the original expensive unit would have prevented, I don't consider that a critical failure. I would not make such a substitution on the engine cooling plumbing, for example.
Further, I decided that my frustration with having to remove the hose from the fittings in order to check hose clogging or perform pump servicing needs to stop. I struggle like you wouldn't believe getting that hose off each time, so I ordered plastic pipe unions. Simply opening the unions should allow me access quickly and easily.
Hopefully, I can get back to finishing that and will report more soon. Anyway, just sharing my thoughts on that.
Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/
The strainer on our boat is also a Groco unit. The plastic bowl (Lens, sight glass or what ever its called) needs replacement. I was going to use a smaller unit also, but after studying it, the thought occurred that it appears to be designed to withstand some serious pressure from the water flow. The strainer units designed for the raw water engine intake appear to be much less robust- probably because they operate under a much lower pressure. Might want to investigate that angle, as you wouldn't want to have an under-designed strainer burst.
Paul & Wendy Keyser
"First Light"
Rye NH
2005 C36 MKII #2257
Wing, M35B
Thanks for the thought, Paul. I guess I don't understand what you mean by pressure since it doesn't seem like much to me. It is on the suction side of the pump, so the pressure is minimal, really.
Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/
Reading the specs on the Groco site glass - it can handle 100PSI, so I'm assuming that the unit is designed to withstand either positive or negative pressure either through suction or pushing water. The hoses on our boat between the AC pump and into and out of the strainer look pretty robust.
Regards
Paul
Paul & Wendy Keyser
"First Light"
Rye NH
2005 C36 MKII #2257
Wing, M35B
Thanks, again, Paul. Yes, our boat has robust hoses rated for vacuum (suction) as well. Of course, even a perfect vacuum only has 14.7 psi of negative pressure.
I consulted the A/C manufacturers installation specs and they mention nothing about what requirements the strainer has to meet, just that you should have one.
I guess we'll see.
Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/
I installed a Johnson pump strainer on my raw water intake. I had one on the C30 and never had a problem. On the last outing I actually sucked up some seaweed while motoring. No temp alarm but my crew noticed steam from exhaust. Shut down engine and checked intake thru hull no water! Fortunately I installed a T on the thru hull and was able to take the plug out and run a plastic hose down the opening to clear it (whew). Reinstalled plug and we were running again. At the dock I checked out the strainer removing the cover to clean seaweed out, I noticed that the clear cover was totally crazed they did not go through but are very worrisome. Anyone have any issues with these strainers?
Alex H.
SV Alexanne, 1985 #432 SR
SF Marina Bay YH
Alex,
Your post states that there was no water coming in the raw water strainer, you cleared it, and then were off and running. That is not common.
On all our boats, the raw water pump uses a rubber-vaned impeller in a pump driven off the camshaft of the engine. If that pump is run with no water flow for even 1 minute, the rubber vanes will be damaged from heat and likely almost useless to pump water.
Did you check your impeller soon after you got back to the dock?
Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/
Sorry, I should have clarified... the seaweed did not totally plug up the intake. there was still a little coming through, just not enough to cool the engine properly.
Alex H.
SV Alexanne, 1985 #432 SR
SF Marina Bay YH
Well, that was a lucky break, Alex, rather than a complete water stoppage.
Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/