My AC pump loses its prime when I put the boat back on the lift. I posted in the Vista forum last week asking if this was a common problem and how people deal with it. There were numerous replies and it seems to be a common problem for trailered boats and boats kept on a lift. In the course of working through the problem here is what I learned. My pump is a labeled as a Dometic Model 336185. The pump is actually manufactured by March Pumps and is a LC-3CP-MD-115. These are certified ignition protected pumps. Here is what March says about these Series 3 pumps:
DESCRIPTION:
Series 3 are centrifugal magnetic drive pumps, eliminating the need for a shaft seal. Pumps are serviceable with a screwdriver. See the parts list for a breakdown of parts.
OPERATION:
Pumps are not self-priming, lack a suction lift, and thus require a flooded suction. Pumps cannot be run dry because the impeller requires the liquid being pumped for lubrication.
Their Installation Guide even has a diagram:
The problem is that my pump was installed above the raw water strainer where the inlet is not flooded. Here is my installation:
The pump will never prime installed like this and will probably run dry and burn itself up. My question: How can Four Winns not know this?