Vetus water strainer type 330

[Mirelle]

I have just melted another Vetus waterlock; second one in four years. Impeller was fine! I have been told that the Vetus water strainer is prone to drawing in air and by looking at mine I think this may be what happened - no water, for just long enough to melt the inlet to the waterlock.

Assuming that this is not a Cunning Plan by Vetus to sell more waterlocks (and my experience of their products, apart from this incident, has been good!) does anyone else have experience of this problem?

NB - the strainer was installed as Vetus recommend - top six inches above W/L. Experimenting with it, I found that if moved below the w/l by just a few inches it leaked, so if water can get out presumably air can get in?

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[snowleopard]

you're right, i have often had overheating caused by air getting into the vetus strainer. the top needs to be screwed down firmly and vaseline around the o-ring helps (don't know about the long term effects of vaseline on the rubber). seems to be a particular problem if the impeller is a bit worn so the water pump won't self-prime.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Robin]

Our strainer is just on the waterline and I had to fit a new O ring to seal it this winter, but your real problem is surely the pump which should self prime easily. Usual reason for not self priming (other than damaged impellor) is that that the face plate is worn where it is in contact with the impellor. If there is no engraved writing on the outside of the faceplate you may be able to simply reverse it, otherwise a new faceplate is required.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[colvic]

We had no end of trouble with ours letting in air and the engine overheating. Solved the problem by removing the rubber gasket, giving it and the groove it came out of a good clean then smearing the rubber in clear SILICONE grease that is used for lubricating underground water pipes before they are pushed together. It lasts forever as opposed to Vaseline which tends to dry out etc..

You can get the grease from most plumbers merchants for about £4 and it is also perfect for coating battery terminals with to prevent corrosio

Phil

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Mirelle]

Self priming

Thanks for that; it was a little slow to self prime at the start of the season, and the face plate is a little worn; I'll do as you suggest; reverse the face plate and change the impeller.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Mirelle]

Thanks, I'll do that!

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[ccscott49]

Re: Self priming

If you are going to change the faceplate, you might think about one of those speedseal ones, they are very good and an excellent upgrade.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[dickh]

Re: Self priming

I endorse the Speedseal as well, a good upgrade. Also do as suggested and check that air is not entering the strainer and seal with grease/vaseline etc.
Alternatively replace the waterlock with one of the GRP ones - I think Halyard distribute them, although on reflection, one should sort out the root cause first......

<hr width=100% size=1>dickh
I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[Mirelle]

Re: Self priming

Thanks for that; given the diabolical location of mine, well worth it, I fancy.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Mirelle]

Re: Self priming

Thanks for that, also. I've been very impressed with Halyard products, and two polypropylene waterlocks is enough!

I would really like a different strainer - I threw out the ancient Kelvin combined seacock and strainer because its 60-odd years were showing, but nobody seems to make metal strainers now.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Bejasus]

Re: Self priming

Try here.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/h00>http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/h00

 

[Mirelle]

Thanks

A good range, and they are not far away, either!

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[peterb]

O rings

The real problem is that very few firms use o-rings properly. Most ring manufacturers recommend that the rings are used rather like piston rings, fitting in to a slot on a piston and then sliding in to a cylinder. Like that the degree of compression can be properly defined. Using a ring as a washer in variable compression (depending on how tightly the lid is screwed down) is a recipe for leaks.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Mirelle]

Re: O rings

Thanks. I had never thought about it, but you are obviously right. Perhaps someone will tell Vetus, whose O ring is in irregular compression and torsion!

<hr width=100% size=1>