Aerator problem

[fishenbuddy]

I have a Key West 196 Bay Reef. The live well has a high speed pick up.The pick up picks up grass, clogging the pump. I put a strainer in line, now I have problems with getting the pump to pump. After taking the boat out of the water, then relaunching, I lose the prime. I have to reverse the engine fast to get water to pump.
My question is, if I put a check valve in would that solve the problem? If I put the check valve in, should it be above the strainer, will a 800 gallon Rule pump open the valve? Or is there something I'm missing? Could the added height of the strainer, (2" or so) have effected the hose routing?
Thanks for your thoughts Pat

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Aerator problem

I picture would help.

This might help...

An inertial/centrifugal pump will NOT self prime.
It will PUMP uphill, But it will not SUCK uphill.

It needs to be below the waterline.
The plumbing needs to run UP or DOWN to the pump, but not UP AND DOWN.

The check valve would need to be as close to the hull as possible.
But the check valve is just a band aid and will be a constant source of headache.

Fix it correctly and you will only fix it once!

Also, a Valve at the Hull Thru is a good idea.
Of any of the hoses go bad ... you will sink!

 

[KDAVID1]

Re: Aerator problem

This may give you an idea of how it should be.

 

[fishenbuddy]

Re: Aerator problem

Thanks , now I'm getting some where. I did put a shut off valve in when I put the strainer in.
So with the strainer and the shut off I must be too high.
Maybe a 90 off the high speed pick up, then the shut off, strainer, pump?
Keeping every thing below the water line.