Hi PS
In the category of problems that we didn’t have to deal with on ZTC is the air conditioning unit’s Hi PS error. This is the error code that we most frequently see when our air conditioning unit decides to act up. PS stands for pressure and from what I’ve learned, this error generally relates to cooling. On One Love we have had this error caused by three separate things:
No error code = Good!
- Air in the lines. Occasionally after a vigorous sail we’ll find that the AC unit will give the Hi PS error and won’t function until we bleed the air out of the system. Fortunately for us, the Leopard 4600s have an easy-to-operate valve which will bleed out the air by allowing a bit of water to flow into the bilge. This is always the first thing we try when confronted with this error and 99% of the time it fixes the problem.
- Blocked cooling water intake. This is the problem we had to deal with today. After bleeding whatever air was in the system out of the lines, the AC unit still failed to operate for more than a few minutes without turning itself off. When this occurred, I first checked the strainer located in between the thru hull and the water pump. It was filled with a bit of crap but clearing it didn’t make the AC unit happy enough to run. I then started at the thru hull and removed the hose. When the seacock was opened I should have seen a fast influx of water. What I saw instead was a slow trickle. This proved to me that that was where the problem was. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to clear it from inside the boat due to the 90 degree fitting on the seacock. I also wasn’t stoked about getting in the marina water to check it out from down below. This is where one of the local divers came to the rescue. In no more than a minute he had the blockage cleared and the water flowing. This definitely made the AC unit happy and it has been running ever since.
- If neither one of these two things fixes the problem then it could be a faulty pressure sensor. We had one of these fail on one of the other AC units and it kept telling the compressor to turn off even though it didn’t need to. Unless you carry one of these as a spare you’ll likely be calling the AC tech to come and help you by this point.
The valve to bleed air from the AC lines.
While I was contending with this today Rebecca is in California enjoying time with our daughter and our grandkids. This visit was long overdue and I’m very happy that she was able to get out there to see them.
Bye bye, Rebecca!
Glad you got it figured out. One other potential source of hi pressure is a dirty heat exchanger. We flush ours with barnacle buster about every season.
True enough. We have had the coils on the starboard ac flushed and plan to do that to the other units.
How come all this stuff only happens when Rebecca is off the boat????? Or are you catching up on maintainence while she is gone?
She is my good luck charm.
What is the reason for the water intake to the A/C units? Is it using ambient water temperature to cool the air?
I think this explains it:
http://www.myboatsgear.com/marine-air-conditioning
The water around here in Seabrook Texas is less than desirable. When forced with a clogged suction thru hull for the AC; I disconnect the suction hose at the strainer and couple a length of hose on with a barb fitting to raise the open end above the water line. With the thru hull open I can blow into the hose and dislodge anything that has found its way into the line. Works like a charm and I don’t have to send Janet Lee into the water.
Blow into it with what? Your mouth? A compressor?
Just pucker up and blow. You’ll feel when the trash cuts loose. I suppose you could use compressed air but why bother. Just don’t use an old hose that was once part of your sanitation system.