www.iFourWinns.com

Hi All--Had my 288 profesionally winterized last fall. This year, the hot water doesn't
run for vey long out of the taps. I have tried priming the system as directed in the
manuals but I only get about 15 seconds of hot water and then it dribbles and quits.
There is water in the fresh water tank--not sure how it is drawn into the hot
hot water heater. I see two steel braid hoses, both are after the water pump.
I have the circuit breaker for the hot water heater off.
Regards,
Mike

The wfresh water pump pumps the hot water tank full of water. the only thing is that when winterized it would have been drained. It should be as simple as opening up the hot water in the galley and let the fresh water pump fill the water heater up. It does take a few minutes for this to happen. I have a 6 gallon water heater, and when I did this, I started to think something wasnt right just because it seemed to take to long. Dont turn on the breaker until your sure its full, orelse you can burn up the element

_________________
Jeff

'14 Cruisers 380 Express "Simon Sez"
Merc 8.2 Mag MPI 380
DTS B3X, (x2) Axius Premier


(SOLD)
'08 V318
Merc 350 Mag MPI 300
DTS Seacore, B3 (x2)

Thanks Jeff--I'm getting closer to figuring this one out. Fourth year with the boat and never
really had to give this a second thought so that is why I am somewhat puzzled.
My fresh water pump doesn't run when I turn the hot on, but it does run when the cold is
turned on. Any additional ideas on where to look for this kind of situation?
Regards,
Mike

Hey Mike

Sorry but that doesn't make any sense unless you are hooked up to a pressurized source at the marina. If you are strictly running form the water tank, then the pump should run with both hot and cold.

I did something different last fall when i winterized, is I drained, then disconnected the hot water heater form the water system so I wouldn't have antifreeze in it all winter and deal with the smell of it till it was flushed. Maybe whoever winterized it did the same.

_________________
Jeff

'14 Cruisers 380 Express "Simon Sez"
Merc 8.2 Mag MPI 380
DTS B3X, (x2) Axius Premier


(SOLD)
'08 V318
Merc 350 Mag MPI 300
DTS Seacore, B3 (x2)

I'm wondering if there's a pinch in the cold water line feeding the water heater. If the flow the heater was restricted then you'd get only a short burst of hot water, then nothing. But it couldn't be totally blocked, otherwise you'd get no hot water at all. Visually inspect how the lines are running to the water heater. Make sure they at least look like they're laid out properly. Also, make sure the overflow bypass valve hasn't been left open, or the drain valve on the heater. Those wouldn't cause the problem you're having but they're important to check.

As has been mentioned, you CANNOT run the water heater from electricity unless it HAS WATER IN IT. If it doesn't the element will heat up too quickly and fry itself.

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

deleted because i misread your post.

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Current Boat: 2000 Four Winns 298 Vista
Previous Boat: 2000 Carver 406MY

Try checking the check valve on the water heater. This is a brass piece with an internal valve just outside the water heater. If they properly by passed the water heater during winterization, they may have installed the brass check valve backwards. You may get a little hot water this way after some water bleeds past the valve and then just a few drips a few seconds after opening a hot faucet.

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2014 Vista V435
2011 Glastron GT180
2013 Sea Doo RXT-260

open the drain on the hot water tank and see if there is hot water there and if the pump runs. You might have a blockage in the hot water supply line, work the problem from the tank to the sink.

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2000 268 Vista "Reely Nauti"
http://www.facebook.com/#!/rivercruiser

I am having the same problem with the hot water system on my 238 Vista. Cold water runs fine, water heater fills no problem. When I open the hot water tap I get maybe 10 seconds of hot water, the pump doesn't start and as the pressure in the line runs out, it slows down and stops. I tried with city water hooked up and the same thing happens...did you find out the solution? thanx

I agree on taking a look at the check valve. My dealer reverses mine when they winterize the boat. It's an easy check. Remove the check valve on the incoming line to the water heater and hit the pump switch and water should come streaming out. The check valve should have an arrow pointing to the direction of the flow. If it doesn't just blow in it and you should only get air through one way. The check valve can be removed by pressing the collar on the fitting allowing the valve to release.

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2008 Vista 278 Volvo Penta 8.1 Gi 375 hp
1999 Horizon 220 5.7 GSi