Watermaker Oops

[monte]

Hi Captains...
Im hoping for some initial feedback on todays WM oops..
Well our WM is sensitive and occasional lightening strikes and using the windlass can cause it to start unexpectedly. Apparently the power cable is a bit close to another power source. Not usually a big deal except today we lifted anchor and headed straight for the travel lift to haul out. Not till they finished pressure washing the hull an hour later did I hear the WM running....
The motor was running away as normal, without any water intake which I assume is a pretty bad thing. I did a freshwater flush a bit later and it seemed normal. Just wondering what the experts might have to say about possible damage, troubleshooting etc. We will be back in the water in a week and crossing fingers for a miracle. Im thinking a couple of boat bucks...
It one of these Puppies
Watermaker SLCE and AQUA-BASE for yachts and land based applications

[senormechanico]

Imho if the feed pump is not damaged by pumping air (and it probably is fine) you have no damage at all.

[a64pilot]

I'm no expert so I won't comment, but the self starting has me curious,
How or why does it do that? Is there a relay that latches on? Maybe disable it with a circuit breaker when it's not being used?

[monte]

I can't be sure why it auto starts. I have had a couple of sparkys take a look but they haven't been able to solve it. The factory says the installer probably put the control wires too close to something powerful such as a windlass cable. They're supposed to have some separation.

[HappyMdRSailor]

Well thank god ya didn't have one of these on board...

Years ago working at a rental yard, heavy rain would make them fire up by themselves... All bets were off if they were left in gear with the chain drive going... Picture a rodeo complete with a few hysterical clowns helping...

ANYWAY...

I'm with the mechanico here... Crossing our fingers for this result...

[weavis]

I had this happen to me a few years back. Sucking air for 3 hours.
I let everything be off for a few hours then switched on.
It all worked and worked for the rest of time I had the boat.

Damage? No idea, but it was fine for me.

[monte]

Back in the water and it seems we dodged a bullet. WM working fine

[HappyMdRSailor]

Originally Posted by monte

Back in the water and it seems we dodged a bullet. WM working fine

I was going to say Spectra-Tacular, but I see I'd be wrong....

Awesome news Monte... And some small proof that our limited logic abilities can sometimes bear a tiny bit of truth...

(now go spend that $$ on something fun)