[Hifirush]

I am tracking down an issue with my water system on my '03 3800 Open, and am trying to figure out how the heck to get the 90 degree threaded adaptor (according to the build sheet the boat came with in the binder) out. That thing is really, really in there and it looks like it should just screw out, but dang! Any hints or has anyone done this? I am hoping that the end of the pick up tube is clogged or the tube itself is has a crack and I clean and/or replace it. I am losing prime and the pumps run and water doesn't really come out of the faucets..... 

Thanks, Matt

[jclark003]

Did you check the filter/screen in front of the pump? My pump does the same thing when it gets clogged.

If you have a metal fitting going into an aluminum tank a little heat might help.

[Hifirush]

Thanks, I did check the filter. There was a bunch of what appeared to be sediment crap in it. It has stopped doing that, but it refuses to draw. I may have to use heat to get the fitting loose on that 90 degree so I can pull it out. I am making an educated guess, there is a pinhole in the suction tube or there is crud in the tip. Maybe if there is a screen of some type at the bottom or end of that tube, it may be clogged. I'm going to replace the hose from the tank to the pump/filter/screen section. I replaced both pumps well, so they are working hard and away. If I charge the inlet hose with a hoes, the pumps run and shut off and work flawlessly. That is why I have narrowed it down to the section from the pumps back to the tank....

[jclark003]

Try blowing into the suction hose until you hear the FW tank bubbling. Then reattach and try the pump again. You may need to prime pump depending on which type you have. If it works then you know the sediment is the problem. I’ve had to do this a number of times as the sediment blocks the pickup and now clean out my tank every couple of years. You can pull the sender and stick a small plastic tube connected to a shop vac to draw out the sediment.

[ReelMagic]

I have a 38 2003 Open as well and had a similar problem in that the pumps wouldn't pull water from the tank. As it turned out when I removed the filter cover (the plastic screw on clear cover) I didn't seat the rubber gasket correctly... Looked like it was OK but it was letting a small amount of air into the hose from the tank to the pumps... I'd confirm the gasket is in correctly before I get to deep into the water system...

[Hifirush]

Hey ReelMagic! I think we have crossed paths on THT, I think! Thanks for the advice and ideas. I agree, it's going to be something simple. I was thinking about just replacing the hose from the pickup 90 degree to the filter to the pumps. It obviously leaking somewhere between the tanks and the pumps. If I spray water in the hose at the tank, the pumps prime, run and then shut off as they are supposed to. Then I leave it set for maybe 10 minutes and it loses its prime and won't prime or push that much water. I'll double check the gasket on the strainer/filter Reel, who knows! I guess it doesn't take much of a hole to put air into the system.

That is a good idea about the game sender hole. I can pop that out and shine my light down in there and take a look see. Thanks guys!

[Hifirush]

To close this out, I finally found out the problem, it was NO pick up hose! I got the 90 degree fitting out and nothing on it. Had to make up a new piece from brass fitting and new water hose and it works perfectly and should outlive me!