T&T: A/C pump - intake - problems/Remedy?

[vbhodges at cableone.net]

Bob Clinkenbeard" sent:

  Install a back flush fitting to the AC raw water inlet so that a raw
  water
  washdown hose can be fitted when needed.

  I am an above water kind of guy ....wouldn't it be a good idea to
  install a tee with a hose fitting or such
  above the seacock for the AC intake....and maybe an additional valve
  above
  it to force a washdown pump and hose flush down and out the intake
  strainer?(endsnip)

  Of course, this is a good idea, but not foolproof. I have had this
  setup on my boat for years. While sometimes it will work, in at least
  half the time it seems to not be enough. As I think someone else
  mentioned, in a lot of cases that plastic bag or jellyfish will be
  hung on the throughhull or on a barnacle, or whatever, and you can
  backflush till the cows come home and as soon as you turn the a/c
  back on it will just suck the obstruction right back onto the
  thruhull and your stuck again. Diving (or raking with with a boat
  hook if you can reach it) is the only way to really clear the problem
  in some cases. I fought an obstruction a couple of years ago. Back
  flush, good water flow, turn on a/c, no water flow. Repeat. Damnit.
  Repeat. Damnit. Finally had to dive and sure enough there was a
  jellyfish stuck there. Wrestled the little bugger out of the way and
  all was well.

  Moral of the story. Indeed install the backflush valve. It will also
  help with priming in some cases, but don't count on it being the
  ultimate solution.

  Brent Hodges

  Friendship

  43 Albin Sundeck

  Seabrook Tx.