Cooling pump self-prime?

[FredL]

I have a Panda 6500 generator.

The impeller self-destructed and I just replaced it.

Does the pump self prime when the engine starts?

I don't want to destroy the new impeller.

There is a full sea water strainer below the pump, but it's about 16" below the pump and there is a couple of feet of water line between the two that does not have sea water in it.

Thank you!

[CptLawrence]

Where is the pump in relation to the boat's waterline? Its easy to leave a seacock closed, or it may be clogged by plastic or growth or critters. Even if your impeller was greased it still might not pull water well if its mating surfaces are scored or pitted. Try holding the hose from the seacock above the boat's waterline and blowing into it. You should hear bubbles outside the hull.

[FredL]

Hi Cap

The through hull is fine, I left the valve closed, that's why the impeller was destroyed.

Last night I cleaned all the debri from the impeller out of the pump, hose and heat exchanger, can I fire up the generator and the pump draw the sea water the 12-16", or so, it needs to from the sea water level?

Thank you!

Fred

[FredL]

....and, do I need to do anything with the wet exhaust system?

All the through-hulls were closed, including those.

Thank you!

Fred

[St. Elsewhere]

It should be OK to fire it up based on your description of open sea-cock, and cleared impeller debris.

[HopCar]

"...can I fire up the generator and the pump draw the sea water the 12-16", or so, it needs to from the sea water level?"


Yes