need help with Sea strainer installation?
 

I have 2002 38 lightning and want to install sea strainers. Can anyone please give me some helpful tips and information to help with starting this process ? I am not sure the proper location and where to start? I have 575 SCI motors side by side.

With my 2002 38 semi-stagger, I put each one directly below the pump, fed by through hull pick ups. It would work fine with side by side. Seal drilled holes and use a nut and bolt, no screws, to mount them to the stringer.

Mount them slightly above water level , that way if you ever have to take off lid to clean out debris while boat is in water , you won't flood the boat .

Mine are forward of starboard engine down low .

We mount them back to back on the center stringer and thru bolt them together and if you are going to thru hull water pickups I would install full flow ball valves just inside the water pickups.[ATTACH=CONFIG]550142[/ATTACH]

^^^^ Thats nice set up archer. I like the single screw top as opposed to nuts or wing nuts

I wish I had added the inline ball valve as I have limped back to the hoist on a few occasions as result of full strainer that I was doubtful to clear while I was still in the water..

I mounted both strainers to my center stringer in my 35' and put ball valves on the sea water inlet, I also had Teague add another inlet to the strainers so I can flush motors off the hose.



[ATTACH=CONFIG]550148[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]550149[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]550150[/ATTACH]

Good options posted here... definitely install ball valves on inlet hoses going into strainers

Not sure I can add much to what is said but here are mine. Like others I have full flow ball valves on the inlet (that is a must IMO) and a added input for flushing. Through bolted.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/708/2...a561439c_o.jpgDSC_2499 by WIldman Grafix, on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5806/...250ccf33_o.jpgDSC_2501 by WIldman Grafix, on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/757/2...9e182da0_o.jpgDSC_2506 by WIldman Grafix, on Flickr

One tip to remember is not to mount them too high above the water line as you may create flow issues at idle or low speed travel , you don't want to fight gravity.
RG.

If this is on a bravo boat there is really no reason to cut extra thru hulls. You can use the pick up on the drive just fine

Install ball valves and bypass. Had a lid break in half during a poker run and would have sunk if I would not been able to shut off and keep motors running while pumping out water.

One reason I like the Teague type is that the lid is clamped all around the edge and I can't see it ever cracking. The wing nuts are actually wing bolts that cannot come out of the lid and get lost. It's not as easy to open as the single center bolt but still pretty easy. Mine is below the water line and if I have to clean it on the water I just hold my thumb over the inlet as soon as the top comes off. I can clean it on the water and get less than a gallon of water in the bilge. I do like the idea of a ball valve shut-off though. The relief valve and hose in the pic have been eliminated. I tweaked my water inlet to get the pressure where I want it and closed cooling can take a lot more pressure than raw water cooling.

http://i763.photobucket.com/albums/x...s147Medium.jpg

Very important. Since you will need some elbows or 45 deg. bend fittings, make sure they are the type that have a larger radius bends and true 1" or 1 1/4" INSIDE flow. many fittings may have the right threads but smaller diameter on the inside. It will restrict your flow. (I have some extras. :) )

Thank you all for great tips. I have not installed the strainers yet but will use the advise you all have given
Thank you

Safety wire or zip tie the valves open, had a friend toast his motor from it being bumped during service.

have to ask above was his temp gauge and alarm working ?