Catalina Desalinator

[Toddy]

My Catalina marine desalinator working with a CAT pump will not let the magnetic clutch stay engaged. Often wont respond to the switch but if does instantly drops out. I have replaced all wires to the pump but it seems to mthat the problem might be in the unit itself. Any ideas greatly appreciated.

[senormechanico]

Switch bad??
Jump it with a decent sized wire and find out.

[Jsta_Rebel]

The clutch is different than the pump. It's just attached by four bolts. Take it loose and check it away from the pump by hooking power to it and letting it set. does it stay engaged or click in and out. if it stays engaged, you probably have an electrical issue elsewhere, and I'd bet it would be a grounding issue. try running a ground wire from a bolt off the engine to the clutch or the pump even if the clutch is attached.. BTW, you can just buy the clutch.

[Toddy]

Thanks for all the suggestions. The clutch at mechanism works well. I suspect that the problem is at least in part is the switch on the circuit board. Does anyone know if ASC marine corporation is still in existence? I suspect it might be easier to buy a complete electronic control module. If the company is no longer about then I need a controller mechanism to drive my CAT pump and newish membrane system. One supplier told me that is not possible!
Thanks everyone.

[senormechanico]

If the problem turns out to be on the control module, look to see if there's a relay there.
If so, imho it's a 99% chance that relay is the problem.
Contacts get worn, and burn with intermittent results.
Digikey or Mouser Electronics will probably have the relay.

[Cheechako]

Sounds to me like the clutch is defective. I suppose the pump could be frozen up but I see no reason for the clutch to kick out even if it was.