Raritan Head Seized Motor

[stepbnd]

I have a Raritan Sea Era and I believe the motor is seized. When you push the flush button the amp meter jumps up to close to 30amps but nothing happens at the head.

What should my first step be to diagnose the problem?

[peghall]

My first step would be to call Raritan tech support for troubleshooting help: 800-352-5630

'Cuz it may not be a seized motor--in fact, that's the LEAST likely possibility. A blockage in the discharge impeller, or jammed macerator blade is far more likely to cause what's happening when you push the flush button.

Had any landlubber guests or children aboard recently?

[stepbnd]

OK, thanks for the info. Glad to hear that it may just be a blockage or jammed macerator blade.

It's a new to me boat, so no idea who may have been aboard or what they may have tried to flush.

[peghall]

You can download the SeaEra owners manual from here: Raritan SeaEra owners manual

[captmikem]

one thing to look out for is the plastic plate in front of the motor that mounts to the head itself has a small rectangular hole, make sure this faces downwards. It is a drain and if it is not downward water gets in the motor and will rust it solid.

Michael

[pwmullins]

Had the same thing happened to me with a SeaEra motor. Pulled the motor and opened it up and the armature had some corrosion on it. Cleaned it, sprayed WD 40 inside and put it bact together and it has worked fine ever since. Every time I am on the boat, I push the button just to make sure it gets turned on and running. I also replaced the motor in another head and the newer motors are definitely quieter than the old ones.

I suspect that sea water got into the older motor, hence the freezing up, but it has run fine after I cleaned it up.

[peghall]

Are you sure you aren't thinking of the Raritan Crown Head, Michael? 'Cuz I'm looking at an exploded drawing of the SeaEra and I can't find the hole you're referring to.

[captmikem]

Peggie! I have not spoken with you in...20 years or longer. (I was building a 151' motor yacht at PJ at the time... 1992 or 93 I think... long time..)

You, as always, are correct. It was the crown head I was thinking of.

So... Never mind!

Good to hear from you Peggie!

Michael.

[peghall]

If it was that long ago, it had to be on the CompuServe OLYC...a lot of water over the dam since then! Always nice to run into old friends!