Guys,
I'm unable to get to my boat for the next few days due to work, but will next try the reverse flush method suggested above in hopes of resolving the air lock. I will report the outcome once I have had an opportunity to give it a try. Thanks again to all for the help.
In the meantime, here's a couple replies from me regarding other's commentary within this tread. Perhaps they will clarify a couple issues......
KiDa:
I do in fact keep my boat in the water, but have had it out of the water several times. I have never closed the seacocks during haulout, and have never lost prime. Perhaps I was fortunate, but in this case, I believe my winterizing technique, or lack thereof, caused my air lock. Also, my pump is in fact below the waterline, so that should not be an issue either.
As for the Bleed Valve, there is a "T" fitting (diverter valve) situated horizontally directly downstream of the pump. One direction of flow goes to the A/C unit, and the other merely diverts flow into my shower sump through a small line.
Lastly, no, I did not tape up my through-hull during the winter, but having said that, I knew I had lost prime while I was introducing anti-freeze during winterization. I informed my mechanic of this, and thought he had rectified the situation, but appearantly not, as I discovered that I still had no flow this spring during re-comissioning. (Lucky for me we did not have a harsh winter.)
PascalG:
I too have not run across any self priming A/C pumps, but I thought you might find it interesting that the manufacturer of my A/C (Marine Air Systems) makes a secondary reservoir intended to be utilized in scenarios where a pump cannot be mounted below the waterline. It is about the size of a gas tank on a push mower, and is intended to be mounted upstream of the pump and slightly above it, which then makes the pump act as if it is in fact mounted below the waterline. Interesting application.
