Fixed!
28 July 2009
Pete
Finally. Finally! That nagging electrical problem is fixed. PRIM once again has operational water temp and oil pressure gauges in the cockpit. We have looked for a mysterious leak for over a year that had degraded some electrical connectors and created miscellaneous corrosion near the aft quarter of the Yanmar. Last year we flooded the cockpit to check for leaks, then I suspected the pressure relief valve on the hot water tank. We checked the pressure water system, engine hoses, drain plugs and hose connections with no luck. Actually good luck if you consider none of them were leaking, but the problem one would not show it's colors. Mike G. (sorry Mike, I would slaughter the spelling of your last name) from our trusty Hartge's Yacht Yard eliminated the fouled connectors, cleaned up the wiring mess that had accummulated over the years and lo and behold, FOUND THE LEAK! It was coming from the main engine exhaust vacuum loop fitting. We couldn't see it last year because it was buried behind the old refrigeration unit, now removed. Someone had cranked the nylon relief valve on the sst loop too tight and it cracked, allowing water to spit out the top and make its way down to the wiring harness connections. Our saviors have been Spike Weinland and Mike G. from Hartge's YY on the genset and electrical stuff respectively, and Butch Rasmussen for the reefer and A/C replacements. Thanks guys. You are terrific and well worth your reputations
So, PRIM is finally set to go. With an eye on forecast afternoon T-storms for the next several days, and one more local appointment, we plan to leave early Thursday or Friday morning for Solomons Island, then on to Fishing Bay.
Of course, I've said that before... I still have a To-Do list, but there are no more critical things on it for the time being. It's time for this adventure to begin.