Old A/C pump removal

[whaler23]

Boat is a '74 36C. While winterizing the A/C units today I contemplated removing the original seawater pump for the A/C units. The original pump appears to be mated directly to the gate valve and is right against the bottom of bilge directly in front of the starboard engine. The replacement pump is mounted up near the condensing units. I couldnt figure out whether it's worth the effort or not, looking for anyone who has done this. Thanks.

 

[Jackman]

I am in the precess of replacing mine on my 32sf. The pump was the magnetic type, apparently the good type for the bilge area because its ignition protected. Was original and just froze/gave up at 20yrs.

Anyhow, mine has its own seacock, which is then hooked to a strainer and then to the pump. I know these pumps are pretty good but when I mount the new one I am going to pay attention that its below the waterline because I don't want it to loose its prime. If it runs out of water the compressor on the AC will have a chance to burn up, even though it will most likely go off on high head pressure first.

My concern with your setup is that you don't mention a strainer, which can prevent the pump from being trashed or prevent clogging the lines. ALso, how far away from the seacock is the pump mounted and how far above the waterline? These are also things to think about.

 

[jim rosenthal]

A strainer should be in the pump intake line. Also, these pumps should be mounted as low as possible as they do not self-prime by suction- they depend on a flooded inlet. So they need to be below the waterline- not only the static waterline, but allowing for any change in angle that the boat might experience while running, as you may want to use the AC while the boat is operating. Mine is mounted on the same shelf that the AC compressors occupy. When you change out the plumbing to put the new pump in, use new bronze piping and elbows and when everything is in, spray with CorrosionX and it will continue to look new.

 

[whaler23]

Thanks, I already have a new pump which is mounted on the shelf housing the condensing units, what I am contemplating is removing the defunct old pump on the bilge floor, replacing it with a new seacock and a strainer, which it currently does not have. The new pump is about three feet away from the seacock currently.