AC raw water pump impeller replacement and source?

[Eddieclemons]

1988 52C with 4-Cruisair units.

I recently flushed my raw water AC system and I feel that it's pretty clean, not perfect but acceptable for good flow. After a recent strainer change, I had a hard time getting proper water flow. After a couple of attempts, she got going.

1. I took a look at the pumps impeller, I would guess she looks a little worn?

2. Can just the impeller be changed? and is there a source? I do have a back up motor/pump assembly but I would like to keep it as a complete spare.

I apologize for not having the part number, but I left the boat without taking a picture of that.

Thanks,

 

[oscarvan]

Not sure it's worn beyond salvage. Like a prop with barnacles though, it definitely doesn't have good flow over the blades.

If it was mine I would take it out and work it with a (brass) wire brush on a bench grinder to see if that smooths it up. Or work it with a Dremmel tool wit a small ball shaped grinder bit. Don't take any off the outside edges.

Tough part may well be disassembly.

 

[Pascal]

The impeller looks eroded to me. It s an oberdorfer relabeled cruisair, call Depco Pump and see if you can get the parts. Personally I d install the spare and rebuild this one

That s why I m not a big fan of these metal impeller pumps. I like of the March impellers can be replaced just by popping the cover, and they rarely fail anyway

 

[piripucha]

The impeller is eroded because of cavitation due to the bubles. There is not much you can do about it. In my case I have the Oberdorfer 104M the impeller/seal/gasket kit is part # 10719. Depco pump have it.Be carefull taking it out because the erosion make the ends very sharp. Good luck

 

[JuiceClark]

1988 52C with 4-Cruisair units.

I recently flushed my raw water AC system and I feel that it's pretty clean, not perfect but acceptable for good flow. After a recent strainer change, I had a hard time getting proper water flow. After a couple of attempts, she got going.

1. I took a look at the pumps impeller, I would guess she looks a little worn?

2. Can just the impeller be changed? and is there a source? I do have a back up motor/pump assembly but I would like to keep it as a complete spare.

I apologize for not having the part number, but I left the boat without taking a picture of that.

Thanks,

I have the same boat and setup - and my pump runs ok but has a weird vibration, after not being used for a few years, which seems to be getting stronger. So, inevitably it's going to need replacement soon.

I had bookmarked this page for the replacement, but will be curious to see what you do: https://inetmarine.com/March0150-0026-01001000GPHAirConditioningCirculationPump115Volt.aspx

 

[Eddieclemons]

Is the impeller screwed onto the shaft/pump tip I presume? My current those are to try and do an impeller change. If that is not possible, then I would install the complete spare unit I have. Long term the March unit looks nice. Thanks

 

[jmooney]

I agree with Pascal about March pumps, I have two pumps installed in 2003 , here in south Florida, running almost continuously , no problems other than a barnacle growing in a vane , which will disrupt flow quite a bit .

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

Soak the impeller in phosphoric acid for 4-5 hours, repeat if necessary. Or, drop it in white vinegar overnight. Stay away from hammers and chisels.

 

[rwaldrop13]

I agree with Pascal about March pumps, I have two pumps installed in 2003 , here in south Florida, running almost continuously , no problems other than a barnacle growing in a vane , which will disrupt flow quite a bit .

I have 3 March pumps running in Fort Myers, and other than cleaning my strainers weekly have not had any issues to speak of. I have the March AC-5MD's, 220V models. In addition to cleaning the strainers weekly, I pull the heads every 3 months and wash them out - Low maintenance by my standards. I recommend Bestbuypumps.com - Reasonable prices, replacement/repair parts, easy ordering and fast shipping.

 

[JuiceClark]

I have 3 March pumps running in Fort Myers, and other than cleaning my strainers weekly have not had any issues to speak of. I have the March AC-5MD's, 220V models. In addition to cleaning the strainers weekly, I pull the heads every 3 months and wash them out - Low maintenance by my standards. I recommend Bestbuypumps.com - Reasonable prices, replacement/repair parts, easy ordering and fast shipping.

Good job on that site - it's about one-forth cheaper than the one I linked. I'll have to check everything to make sure it's the right pump. But for 270 bucks, it's not worth messing around too much with the old pump. Plug and play....

This one, right? https://bestbuypumps.com/AC-5C-MD-115V-Pump-MAR-0150-0026-0100.htm

 

[Boatsb]

Not the right pump.

The ac5 is good for 1 large or 2 smaller units. The 52c uses a much larger pump.

 

[Briankinley2004]

Most of the folks I know replace theirs with a swimming pool pump of equal gpm. They are about $200 bucks and made for salt water. My oferdorfer is still going but thats my plan when she goes out. Plus they are on the shelf at Homo depot so they can be had pretty quick. Several boats I have been on had them with a screen built into the pump you can put bromide tabs in. I have heard of people using irrigation pumps as well.

 

[Pascal]

Most of the folks I know replace theirs with a swimming pool pump of equal gpm. They are about $200 bucks and made for salt water. My oferdorfer is still going but thats my plan when she goes out. Plus they are on the shelf at Homo depot so they can be had pretty quick. Several boats I have been on had them with a screen built into the pump you can put bromide tabs in. I have heard of people using irrigation pumps as well.

Well the only boat I have ever seen with swimming pool pump also had an RV air con... the March pumps are top notch and last a long time...

 

[Eddieclemons]

Bronze impeller and o-ring is about $105 from www.pumpvendor.com and would make an easy repair for me if the impeller loosens right up and doesn't need to be shimmed. That March option looks good once I have used my spare motor and pump.

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

The swimming pool pumps sound ok. But I wonder if they are rated for marine use viz ignition source or for a wet bilge installation. I suspect not, hence, swimming pool rating.

 

[JuiceClark]

All this A/C talk got me to clean the strainer when in the ER this afternoon. Someone left me a little surprise in the basket:



I don't know if the PO or the A/C guy put those copper pipe pieces in there. I guess it works because the strainer was very clean after a lot of use for the last couple months.

 

[JuiceClark]

Oh, by the way, where can I get the gasket to go in the a/c strainer in my 52C? It's a mess and now the thing leaks after cleaning it.

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

Oh, by the way, where can I get the gasket to go in the a/c strainer in my 52C? It's a mess and now the thing leaks after cleaning it.

You make one. Not difficult.

 

[Captain Ralph]

Oh, by the way, where can I get the gasket to go in the a/c strainer in my 52C? It's a mess and now the thing leaks after cleaning it.

Perko or Groco?
The synthetic or cork gaskets are readily available, usually on the rack at West Marine.
Close the cock and take the cover to the store if your not sure of the model number or size.

For the tru hardened, I always keep a sheet of various gasket material in the shop and press (tap out) my own gaskets for strainers.

 

[oscarvan]

marine use viz ignition source

Excuse the interruption Sensei.... but no propane and no gasoline.... who cares about sparks?