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crosshead feed pump not working

Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2017 3:24 am
by anian arrow


my brass feed pump doesnt seem to be moving water. There should be feedwater into pump as it is two feet below the lake level. two check valves, alas one buried behind flywheel. ideas? no water in outlet check valve cover

Re: crosshead feed pump not working

Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2017 3:56 am
by cyberbadger
Can you check that you have feedwater into the pump? Can you disconnect it and isolate whether it's your intake and check valves or the actual pump itself?

Pictures are always helpful...

-CB

Re: crosshead feed pump not working

Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2017 6:38 am
by TahoeSteam
Could be several different issues or a combination:

Firstly, check the intake for obstructions... i.e. sea dock being closed, marine growth, sticks, plastic bags, or sadly even feminine hygiene products.... I hope you have a strainer on it.

Possibly air in the check valves depending on their type. If they have a cap on them, try just cracking open the cap a little to purge the air out and get a little water flowing... there may also just be crud in the checks, not allowing them to perform properly.

Is it a ram type feed pump, or a piston pump? If piston, are there metal rings or o-rings that seal the piston to the cylinder? Check those for their condition.

Where are you steaming your launch?

Re: crosshead feed pump not working

Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2017 7:38 pm
by anian arrow
thanks for the replies people. I am in a lake with freshwater. There is a strainer on the seacock. If i open the other seacocks to injector or hand pump the water just pours in. The main check on pump is buried between flywheel and standard so very very tough to get it, I didnt build the boat. Trying to put up photos as they are best for conveying conundrum. Thanx

Re: crosshead feed pump not working

Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2017 4:02 am
by TahoeSteam
It would be wise to relocate that check to a more accessible spot for instances such as this... or when you're in the middle of the lake trying to troubleshoot upside down in the bilges with the boat being tossed about...

Re: crosshead feed pump not working

Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2017 8:21 pm
by anian arrow
I have had the boat for 5 years so I am used to just using the injector. But my brain is thinking I have water near pump and much mechanical force at plunger, thus some water should be moved. gotta check the intake checkvalve

Re: crosshead feed pump not working

Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2017 8:03 pm
by wsmcycle
if you can see the piston moving, it's probably just sloshing water back and forth because the check valve is stuck. You might be able to peck on the valve and loosen it. We would love to see some pictures of your tug.