12volt soleniod valve

[steveas0321]

I'm thinking about putting in a 12volt solenoid valve (normally closed) on the thru-hull for the cooling system. Usually have to manually open and close a ball valve every time we used the boat as it stays in the slip all the time.

I would wire the solenoid valve to the ignition switch so that when the ignition is on the valve opens. Ignition off.... valve closes. No more reaching across a hot engine to turn it off at the end of a day sail.

Thoughts? Agree/disagree

[romantic comedy]

I never ever leave my boat with any below the water line thru hull open.

[67c&ccorv]

I never ever leave my boat with any below the water line thru hull open.

What about your cockpit drains?

[romantic comedy]

Mine are above the water line. Are not yours?

[67c&ccorv]

I'm thinking about putting in a 12volt solenoid valve (normally closed) on the thru-hull for the cooling system. Usually have to manually open and close a ball valve every time we used the boat as it stays in the slip all the time.

I would wire the solenoid valve to the ignition switch so that when the ignition is on the valve opens. Ignition off.... valve closes. No more reaching across a hot engine to turn it off at the end of a day sail.

Thoughts? Agree/disagree

I've been working at it Stever...should know how it works next year when I go in the water.

My thread with pics is here;

http://www.moyermarine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6260&highlight=volt+solenoid+engine+water+valve

[Marian Claire]

Count me as a "Disagree". With something as important, both running and while parked in the slip, as the RW intake I want to touch, feel, check, observe, bless etc it every time I use it. KISS. Dan S/V Marian Claire

[roadnsky]

What happens if you have a NO START situation?

[Carl-T705]

Is it really that much of a chore to open and close a valve manually? Everything on a boat will fail, automatic stuff fails sooner than manual stuff. Wiring this to the ignition means more of a drain on the battery when you're trying to run the starting motor and supply enough electricity to the ignition. It's recommended to open the valve after the engine starts and not while cranking the starter.

[ndutton]

Is it really that much of a chore to open and close a valve manually?

If you've followed the discussions about tried and true battery switches vs. automatic charging relays and isolators, apparently it IS that much of a chore.

[BunnyPlanet169]

Manual and Simple

I've frankly always been a bit confused by this - I can't imagine my water pump could put out SO much water as to back flood an exhaust manifold. I'd have to crank for minutes! I guess it's happened, but it's hard to believe.

I pulled the HV coil wire off the distributor, and cranked for 30 seconds to look at water flow out of the pump. I was less than impressed.

So, ALL thru hulls OFF when I leave the boat. Gas OFF. My cockpit drains are hard, E.G. 1/2" wall fiberglass tubes permanently installed.

Hop on the boat, turn on blower and VHF breakers, check the bilge, open gas, open raw water. Start. Begin slowly overheating....

Caveat: I have a double jacket exhaust that won't back up, but still, the pump is only rated about 6GPM at 1000RPM....

Edit: And I'm guilty of having an automatic charging relay, but I do have a manual switch too.