Inboard Diesei Engine Impeller Pump-above or below the waterline?

[crown22]

Hello Everbody,
Visited new to me Colvic Sailor 26 for the first time today.No handover possible by previous owner.Engine starts easily
but is not pumping water.Removed water pipe from seacock to impellor pump at impellor pump end but no water.Jumped to the conclusion that the inlet in the hull might be totally fouled up because boat has not been liftted for four or five years. Realised later that maybe I needed to lower the pipe for any water to come out.Hence the question about whether impellor pumps are always below the waterine or can be above?Thanks in advance.

 

[Heckler]

Hello Everbody,
Visited new to me Colvic Sailor 26 for the first time today.No handover possible by previous owner.Engine starts easily
but is not pumping water.Removed water pipe from seacock to impellor pump at impellor pump end but no water.Jumped to the conclusion that the inlet in the hull might be totally fouled up because boat has not been liftted for four or five years. Realised later that maybe I needed to lower the pipe for any water to come out.Hence the question about whether impellor pumps are always below the waterine or can be above?Thanks in advance.

No, mine is way above the waterline. Just drop the end down to where the waterline is to make sure you arent blocked at the thru hull. The seacock is open?

 

[vyv_cox]

Impeller pumps will lift a couple of metres easily. Your problem is that it is not priming, probably due to being dry or air leaks. Grease the impeller and face plate but ensure the seals are good. Probably wise to give the pump a complete check. Obviously check that seacock is not blocked, ball has rotated when you turn the handle, strainer clear etc.

 

[Topcat47]

It also helps to "prime" the pump after a time ashore. If you don't have a Vetus strainer, close the seacock, take the hose off at the seacock, lift it above the pump inlet and pour water in. Once it's filled put your thumb over the pipe then slide it back over the seacock as quickly as possible. You are likely to loose a little but the hose should remain full of water. Tighten the hose clips. Start the engine and immediately open the seacock.

If you have a Vetus (or similar) strainer, just close the seacock, take the top off the strainer and fill the system from a jug. Replace the top, start the engine and immediately open the seacock.

 

[Habebty]

I take it there is an impellor in there?

Sorry for stating the obvious but it may or may not have happened to me when I bought my first boat

 

[lw395]

I take it there is an impellor in there?

Sorry for stating the obvious but it may or may not have happened to me when I bought my first boat

Yes, people take them out to avoid them 'setting' in a particular direction over winter!

 

[crown22]

Hello Everybody
Am sorted now.The boatyard has agreed to tow me the six miles for lift out.Hello again Skipper Stu.Are you still in Gibraltar?I don't own a share in a Oceanis 36CC in Mallorca anymore.I will be sailing out of Lancaster from now on.Call in for a cup of tea sometime.

 

[johnalison]

An easy way to clear a blocked inlet pipe is to connect it to a dinghy foot-pump and jump on it, so to speak. (Open the seacock first).

 

[Heckler]

Hello Everybody
Am sorted now.The boatyard has agreed to tow me the six miles for lift out.Hello again Skipper Stu.Are you still in Gibraltar?I don't own a share in a Oceanis 36CC in Mallorca anymore.I will be sailing out of Lancaster from now on.Call in for a cup of tea sometime.

Hiya
moved to Faro a few weeks ago.
Stu