Sputtering/weak washdown

[Katsuo]

The raw water washdown on my '06 195CC has very weak flow and sputters. As is, it's basically useless. I reported it to my dealer, and they said other 195CC owners had reported the same problem. They said air is getting in the line somewhere, and they'd check all the fittings at the first service. I just got my boat back from the first service, but nothing has changed. It still aint working right. It's prime fishing season, and my dealer is quite far away, so I don't want to take it back to them again right now. Anyone know how to diagnose/repair this issue?

[Codfish]

If it was air getting into the system, then when it pressurized it would spurt water out where the air leak is. I would guess it is either a bad pump or a blocked intake.

Does the pump pressurize the system and then shut off like it is suppose to? If so it is likely not the pump itself. If it cannot pressurize and shut off, and just keeps sputtering, then it is the pump. If it pressurizes but has poor flow when you open the nozzle, then it is a lack of water flow to the pump and means your intake is likely partially blocked.

That is what I think anyway. Good luck with the diagnosis.

Codfish

[Katsuo]

Thanks for the info. I didn't know that the pump was supposed to run only until the line was pressurized, and them shut itself off. (I'm a new boat owner) How long does it typically take to pressurize? Maybe I am not giving it enough time before opening the valve on the nozzle.

If it's not that, then I think I can rule out a leak, (at least not at the pump). I don't see any signs of water in the console where the pump is mounted.

[k9reno]

The washdown pump on my 03 210 was replaced under warranty in 03 when it was new. it would not put out any pressure. I could not even get up enough pressure by putting my thumb over the end. The new pump was better but still leaves alot to be desired. I need to try a one of the smaller diameter washdown hoses as opposed to the regualar garden hose Ihave used. either way I dont use it much any way because I always power wash it when it comes out of the water.

[jergofish]

The pump runs for only one or two seconds to pressurize. Upon first discharge it will loose pressure for a short time while it gets any water out of the line, usually again, a few seconds, and then operates full tilt with plenty of pressure to shoot a stream 15' or more in the air.

Reducing the size of the hose in a system will not increase the flow since it's restricted by the nozzle.

We use ours frequently and I like to hose down when underway since the deck allows all water to run back to the scuppers easily when the bow us up underway.

[Deker]

This is probably obvious, but I will post it anyway: is the shutoff valve under the access port in the deck behind the helm seats betweeen the pump and the thru-hull fitting opened all the way? Not intended to insult, this from a guy that spent fifteen minutes trying to jump start my motorbike because I didn't see at first that the kill switch was in the off position. edited for second thought: were you trying to use it while the baitwell was on? I believe they use the same pump and I don't know if it is strong enough to serve both at the same time.

[ILLOGICAL GGC]

deker--we are family here so all suggestions are welcomed!!!
turning on the livewell pump actually helps get water up to the wash down pump. the washdown water supply is directly picked up from the outside thru the livewell pump, but it isnt pumped by the livewell pump.
GGC

[Katsuo]

I have made sure the seacock is fully open. I am always running the baitwell simultaneously. Just to see if there's any difference, I will try shutting off the baitwell.

[daveh]

My wash down hose on my o6 215 has a kink at the base of the holder,simalar symtems.The fitting comes straight threw the bottom then the hose is coiled whitch kinks the line.I thought this winter I would replace the fitting with a 90' fitting.Pull your hose out and check where it connects to the holder.

[spanfang]

Katsuo

I had a similar issue with my 2004 210 CLE. I tightened the hose clamp on the line coming into the pump and the proboem was solved. The loose connection was allowing air in and weakening the flow.