[C320-list] engine start up after winter layup

[Brad Kuether]

Alan,

OK so lets assume the raw water system is completely dry.  The worse case 
scenario is that the fins dried and are sticking to the water pump. When you 
start the engine you may shear off a fin or two and and they take a trip 
through the heat exchanger.  That is bad.

So to be 100% sure that doesn't happen, I would change the impeller, first, 
wiping a little bit of dish soap on both sides of the water pump before 
putting the new impeller in. Close up the water pump (need a new gasket!!!), 
then just start the engine with the thru hull open  and it should have 
enough suction to pull in the water.

Now if you determine that there is still anti freeze in the raw water hose, 
I would just start the engine when you are ready, and change the impeller as 
one of the last steps.  If it is sitting in anti freeze it probably won't be 
sticking to the sides.

Be aware that whenever you open up the water pump you need to change the 
gasket.  So you might as well change the impeller while you are in there.

I used to change  them every year, then starting skipping to every two.  I 
kept the "yearlings" as spares.

I am facing my first 320 spring commissioning this year as well, but I had a 
diesel for 15 years and am not too hung up on the engine part.  More worried 
about how to get all the pink AF out of the fresh water system!  Especially 
the hot water tank!

Hope that helps,

-Brad, Mary, Monica, and Jarod
"Independence"
2004 Catalina 320 Hull 1006
Middle River, MD


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Alan Goodman" <goodmanalanlee at hotmail.com>
To: <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Sunday, March 07, 2010 7:16 PM
Subject: [C320-list] engine start up after winter layup




More silly questions from a newbie.  The boat was purchased already 
winterized, so the raw water system is dry.  After all I have been reading 
on this forum, I am aware of the damage that can be done to a dry raw water 
impeller.  Once I launch the boat, I assume I open the raw water sea cock, 
maybe open the raw water strainer to bleed out some air ... but how do I get 
water to the impeller before starting  ... or do I have to remove the water 
pump cover and squirt is some dish soap before starting?  Also, will the 
pump self prime, or do I have to fill the hose up with water, by for 
instance, pulling the hose of the pump inlet and pouring water into the hose 
back towards the raw water filter?  Alan, Hull 67, Holland MI - eagerly 
awaiting my first C320 season!!

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