NW Explorations
DREAM CATCHER OPERATING MANUAL
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4S: Sea Strainers & Through-Hulls
4S1: Sea Strainer Cleaning and
Seacocks
The sea strainers on this boat are secure and reliable.
They protect the engine, generator and refrigeration
cooling systems from water-borne debris which might
block internal equipment passages. If a sea strainer
needs cleaning (see above regarding inspection) here is
the procedure:
1. Look at the base of the strainer near the hull.
On one side may be a welded-bar “wing nut”.
If there is one, loosen it a few turns (the valve
may “weep” a little sea water.
2. Whether there was a wing nut or not, there will
be a valve lever with a relatively long handle.
Turn the valve lever so it is perpendicular to the
sea strainer (parallel to the hull).
3. Remove the top of the sea strainer. Then
remove the strainer by pulling it out the top of
the assembly. Rinse the strainer thoroughly and, if necessary, remove any debris from the glass housing; you can
use the fresh water hose in the engine room, and a bowl brush is next to the water hose to help clean the sea
strainer glass.. The bilge pump will pump out the excess water.
4. Reinsert the strainer; replace the top, AND TURN THE VALVE BACK ON. Failure to do so will overheat the engine.
Failure to re-open the valves will overheat the engine or damage the pumps!
This entire operation will take 5-10 minutes at most, and will assure you of cool engines.
Two sea strainers. These are in front of the starboard engine.
Left is the engine sea strainer, right is another.