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A neat little Aussie product, the C-Thru transparent pump cover lets you check whether the pump impeller is turning while the engine is running. We're always a
bit apprehensive when our annual trek takes us through fields of bootlace weed in the English Channel, or into crud in the French canals.
A cooling pump blockage, or damage to an impeller is always a possibility. So it will be good to be able to check on the pump and the impeller vanes, without removing the cover. The C.Thru also comes with an internal rubber gasket, and is fIxed by 6 captive hexagonal bolts. As our pump is tight against a bulkhead, using a screwdriver is difficult - and risks burring the slots. Using an Allen key will make the job much easier - and will mean no more groping for small brass screws that have fallen into the bilges.
We're always anxious about the durability of new devices, but Mermaid have decided to fit it as standard on all their new and reconditioned engines. As about half the engine breakdowns we meet seem to be related to cooling pumps, the C-Thru could prove very helpful at £20 - £40, according to size. |
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