Baitwell/ washdown pump and diverter valve question

[bobterisch]

Hi Guys,
The washdown/baitwell on my 02 22.5 explorer runs fine when i only use the baitwell. I can switch it off and on many times and it always works. As soon as i switch the valve over to washdown it will not work (maybe it has to do with back pressure fron the hose spray nozzle)? Also does anyone know if the washdow/baitwell valve can be repaired; mine has started to drip when the pump is on. If repair is not possible anybody know where i can get a replacement?
Any ideas would be appriciated.
Thanks,
Bob

[Capt. Bob]

Bob,
Don't know what model you have but many have rebuild kits.

Combo bait well and wash down (if they work like the one I bought, run continuous on the bait mode. The motor senses low pressure (switch is internal ) and runs continuous at a lower psi (say 10).
When the pump senses high pressure(back pressure) the internal switch opens so the pump doesn't run.

Bait tank = continuous flow/lower pressure.
Wash down= At start senses no flow/high pressure (spray nozzle restriction). Squeeze handle, pump senses pressure drop and runs at higher pressure. Run time is not continuous and water pressure is higher (think 40 +)

[gran398]

Bob is spot-on, so as you change the valve from livewell to washdown, the pump basically doesn't sense the pressure change, and refuses to operate.

Om my bigger boats, have always run dedicated pumps. Know its a little work, but at least you have system confidence. And, if you're re-plumbing, make sure the washdown pump can divert to the livewell in case of pump failure there.

[Circle Hooked]

Hi Guys,
The washdown/baitwell on my 02 22.5 explorer runs fine when i only use the baitwell. I can switch it off and on many times and it always works. As soon as i switch the valve over to washdown it will not work (maybe it has to do with back pressure fron the hose spray nozzle)? Also does anyone know if the washdow/baitwell valve can be repaired; mine has started to drip when the pump is on. If repair is not possible anybody know where i can get a replacement?
Any ideas would be appriciated.
Thanks,
Bob

If it's like mine your gonna have to replace it,the plastic housing cracks and that causes the leek,heres one from worst marine http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-1/10001/27670/377%20710/0/wash%20down%20diverter%20valve/Primary%20Search/mode%20matchallpartial/0/0?N=377%20710&Ne=0&Ntt=wash%20down%20diverter%20valve&Ntk=Primary%20Sea
Yours should be 3/4 inch

[seabob4]

Scott,
3/4" hose...

[Circle Hooked]

Scott,
3/4" hose...

Bob your right,i don't know what i was thinking on that one.Thanks

[seabob4]

Scott,
3/4" hose...

Bob your right,i don't know what i was thinking on that one.Thanks

Gotta keep an eye on you, son...

[bobterisch]

Thanks for all your help guys.
Scott on your explorer did that diverter from worst marine mount ok into the hole where the old valve was?

[bobterisch]

SeaBob,
Do you know the manufacturer of the original valve?
Thx

[Circle Hooked]

Thanks for all your help guys.
Scott on your explorer did that diverter from worst marine mount ok into the hole where the old valve was?

I didn't get mine from there,i got mine from a surplus store that had only one left,and out of the package,it was missing the handle so they sold it to me for $20 so i got lucky,just used the old handle,but i did look at the one at w marine, there the same and it should hook right up.

[bobterisch]

Thanks Scott.

[seabob4]

Bob,
For what it's worth, the Manufacturer of that valve is Bosworth...

[bobterisch]

Thanks Bob.

[gran398]

The pressure-sensitive washdown pumps draw a ton of amps, but can self-prime to an 8 to 10 foot head. Whether sucks air or not, will prime. Its an old-fashion diaphragm pump.
Pricey. And loud. And take a look at the pumping capacity versus the current draw...does fine as a washdown pump..but ineffective as a livewell pump...200 to 250 gph max...

Always been interesting to me, this self-priming notion. Keep any pump as far below the waterline as possible. Unnecessary to self-prime if well below the waterline. With a well-placed far-aft clamshell pickup/thru-hull/seacock, hydrostatic pressure will prime the pump, without air intrusion.

Many years ago when first introduced, ran a Rule 500 livewell pump mounted straight-up from the seacock to a 30 gal. above-deck livewell. In rough water, would lose prime.  Rule later introduced a 90 degree (from the sea-cock) 750 gph pump. Not exactly in the lower bilge, but an improvement.....less air intrusion when running on plane.

Another plus, these pumps draw low amperage, are inexpensive, and easy to change with forethought.

Nothing like a handy washdown pump.

Nothing like a reliable, effective bait pump.

Two different animals. Even though you may add a second pick-up, its worth it. And as always, use quality all-stainless seacocks.