Spectra watermaker manifold leaking

[Scally]

I have a Spectra Newport 400 MKII watermaker that has developed a crack in the high pressure output side of the manifold. Does anyone know if it is ok to bypass the manifold and connect the feed to the Clark pump directly to the high pressure pump?

[Tellie]

Originally Posted by Scally

I have a Spectra Newport 400 MKII watermaker that has developed a crack in the high pressure output side of the manifold. Does anyone know if it is ok to bypass the manifold and connect the feed to the Clark pump directly to the high pressure pump?

The manifold is Grand Central station for your plumbing. If this is an emergency repair to keep you going until you can get a replacement manifold you can you bypass the manifold altogether and you can make the unit run on Manual and make water. The problem is that your MPC controls will not work properly and you will not be able to fresh water flush the system in the normal fashion and the flush timer interval won't work. But in an emergency you can rig the system to work. You'll need to source a few simple parts. It's a bit complicated to explain here. But if you open the front of the unit to expose the feed pump, you will see the two 3/8" black tubes connected to the feed pump itself. One is the input and the other the output. (there are arrows on the bottom of the pump identifying which is which. Disconnect the input side completely, insert a 5/8" barbed nylon fitting into the pump head (it's a tough thread to start, you'll need some teflon tape) Disconnect the output side of the 5 Micron filter cannister and insert another 5/8" barbed fitting there and connect the two fittings with a length of 5/8" braided hose. Now disconnect the output side of the feed pump fitting. If you're lucky you can now disconnect the fitting on the outside of the manifold that feeds the Clark pump and there will be enough slack to connect it to the output fitting on the feed pump. If not you will have to repeat the 5/8" hose and fittings from the feed pump to the Clark pump. Now you will have to dissconnect the 1/4" tube on the outside of the manifold that is marked "To Tank" Move this line over to the end of the membrane that has the other 1/4" tube attached. Swap them out. Now you can operate your system with the manual toggle switch in the "MAN RUN" position. The product water made will flow directly from the membrane to your tank. You will not be able to fresh water flush your system this way but if you run your system every day for an hour or two you'll be fine until you can get a replacement manifold. When you order the manifold make sure you give the date of manufacture of your unit so they can send you the proper fittings to match your system. If you have any questions you can call me. Good Luck
Tellie, (954) 515-7077