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Cockpit Freezer Pump Issue and Ice Chipper... Coincidence or Something Else?

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by PSW, May 26, 2017.

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  1. PSW

    PSW Member

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    After countless hours this winter installing a new Furuno system and pulling fish boxes to replace pumps and doing other maintenance I felt like I was finally prepared for our first trip of the year this Memorial. Over the past week I have been loading the boat and putting things back together in preparation. To my surprise the cockpit freezer and Eskimo Ice Chipper are both having issue with their respective pumps not running. The freezer will begin cooling and after a few minutes will auto shutdown from the pump not engaging. I have checked the strainer and no issues. I have disconnected hose at the pump and it isn't pumping anything.

    Next I went to Eskimo and the 2 red lights on the lower right of the sensor unit turno on and I flip the switch on the Eskimo as instructed but the pump for it never engages. Both units use a small March pump and both are located behind the Port engine. I have already replaced the March pump for the AC units and those are running fantastic now but what are the odds that both pumps for the chipper and freezer die at the same time as well? Other than the breakers on the panel is there a switch elsewhere on a Cabo that I am supposed to check? I haven't used them since purchase but I can't imagine that moving the boat and not cycling them for several months would cause any issue. I have been focused on so many other projects on the boat that I hadn't looked at these units or needed them until now. This isn't going to change my trip but I need to fix them ASAP as I am going fishing offshore after this shakedown trip. I have no issue buying new pumps but want to make sure I am not missing something else first.

    I assume these are the same model pumps. Only one has a label but they appear to be same model. If anyone can confirm that would also be great.

    Any input is appreciated. I have a call into Glacier and will probably make a call to Eskimo tomorrow before I head out on the boat.

    Thanks

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  2. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    It s unclear from your post if the pumps runs and don't pump or if they don't run at all

    If they don't run, you have a power issue somewhere. Could be a relay that's not sending the run signal to the pumps or there could be a separate breaker for the pumps

    If they start but don't pump and you ve already checked the strainer the pumps could have a priming problem. They are not self priming and it s critical that the hose run from the strainer to the pump had no high or low points like going over a stringer

    Also while the March pumps are great sometimes the impeller can break although a telltale sign would be a clicking noise from the pieces You can pop the screws on the cover and check. That said it would be rare for both to fail at the same time...
  3. chesapeake46

    chesapeake46 Senior Member

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    See if you have voltage right at each pump
  4. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    But keep in mind you will only have voltage for a brief time while the compressor tries to run
  5. DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    As Pascal mentioned these pumps will not self prime. I have similar type pumps for my A/C, Ice chipper, refer, etc. If you hauled the boat no doubt they lost prime. If you opened these systems, no doubt you lost prime. So as already mentioned, check to see if you have power to the pumps and if they are running. if so, try priming them.
  6. PSW

    PSW Member

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    They don't feel like they are trying to work. I have been hesitant to cut any wires up to this point to place a volt meter at the units to test for power but it sounds like I am headed that way.
  7. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    I'm assuming the sea cocks are open? Pull the top hose off and have some one turn it on for a few seconds. You should hear something run or at least be able to verify water is in the pump.
  8. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Those lil March pumps are near bomb proof.
  9. PSW

    PSW Member

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    We pulled outlet hose off freezer pump and it had a prime.

    Seacocks are open and strainers checked.

    Not sure what is going on.
  10. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Have a prime, so they are pumping water?
    Dirt bug block the outlet? Hoses crushed during some work?
  11. PSW

    PSW Member

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    No we put a clear hose on outlet and water pressure being under water line pushes water up hose to water line about a foot above pump and that is all. Pump Doesn't even turn on.

    I had water pump on A.C. crap out after working fine for a few months. Replaced pump and no issues since with that unit.
  12. DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    So are you saying the pumps are in deed pumping and the problem is elsewhere?

    Is this boat new to PAC NW area? Has the freezer and ice maker ever worked in the colder waters of PAC NW? I had to install regulating valves on mine when I moved it to colder waters. Believe it or not, you can get "overcool" these units as they are designed to run in much warmer water. Too much cold water actually has the same affect as no water and the units trip off on high pressure.
  13. PSW

    PSW Member

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    They had not ever been turned on since relocating boat until a few days ago.
  14. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    The pumps are magneticly coupled to the impeller. If there not pumping, take one apart and see if the impeller is seized.

    May be time to find the 115Vac connect to the pump and tap your volt meter in there first.
  15. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    You shoul hear the motor run. If they have prime and don't pump check for power.

    Another common issue with any refrigeration pump is a plastic bag over th thru hull. Pump off and no suction the bag lets water thru. Pump on and th suction pulls it tight. Had this happened a few times over the years

    And again check for a breaker controlling the pumps.
  16. CSkipR

    CSkipR Member

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    PSW you should be able to feel the pump running if you put your hand on it. On my Cabo the Eskimo March pump was mounted incorrectly and I had to lower it slightly and turn it sideways so it would pump correctly. Since doing that 6 yrs ago never an issue. Sounds to me like the pumps aren't running? Have you removed the hose at the eskimo unit or freezer to see if its pumping water up there. If you have an air lock in the hose the pump will not push it through. You will need to remove the hose until water comes out or while running the boat turn them on.
  17. PSW

    PSW Member

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    It has prime. Pump doesn't feel like either are clicking on at all. On the boat now on family trip. Engines ran great today. A 65 RTIC will have ice duty this weekend. Might put a volt meter on wires to pump tomorrow depending on what is going on.
  18. CSkipR

    CSkipR Member

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    My Eskimo is 220v and my cockpit freezer is 110v. Looking at your pictures the higher pump appears to be real close to the waterline. If my Eskimo march pump was mounted their it would not work. These pumps are very good but they will not work properly if above waterline.
    While you are on board and running turn pumps on and see if you possibly had an airlock.
  19. PSW

    PSW Member

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    Skip,

    Thank you. The Eskimo had a label indicating 220V, but the freezer did not. From looking at breaker I suspected it was 110V. Thank you for confirming.

    I hope to have some time today to mess with it.
  20. PSW

    PSW Member

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    Eskimo is up and pumping water. That is the good news. The water inlet had small valve just before reservoir body. It was was closed. There must be a relay in control panel of unit. Once I opened up and cycled unit it began pumping water but no ice was being produced. After a few min of hearing compressor cycle and immediately stop I turned it off and tie wrapped wires back into loom and secured to frame of unit. As I was getting up I turned unit back on and this time it began running but was making a horrid grinding sound. I looked at manual and went and disconnected water supply clear hose going into freezer assembly from reservoir body. It was flowing good. I reconnected and wiped up water and tried again. Still same grinding sound. The troubleshooting guide that came with my Eskimo instructions indicated to check water supply and vent hole. I believe vent hole is for units prior to 2001. This unit is an 07'.

    Haven't had time to look at freezer but I am thinking it is something simple O am not aware of.