Marine/RV Pump Converter Winterizing Kit | CAMCO-36543

Camco Pump Converter Winterizing Kit | Part #36543 | Uses Your Existing Water Pump to Circulate Antifreeze | Marine Plumbing Winterization

The most efficient way to winterize your boat's freshwater plumbing is to use your existing onboard water pump to draw antifreeze directly through the system — no separate hand pump, no gravity-feed setup, no improvising. The Camco #36543 pump converter kit installs permanently in-line on your water pump and adds a brass 3-way valve with a siphon tube that lets you switch the pump's inlet from your water tank to an antifreeze supply at the start of each winterization. Run the pump, open each fixture in sequence, and antifreeze flows through the entire plumbing system using the pump you already have. Compatible with pumps featuring 1/2"-14 NPT or NPSM ports.

Part Details:

• Part Number: 36543
• Manufacturer: Camco
• Type: Pump Converter Winterizing Kit
• Includes: Brass 3-way valve, siphon tube, Teflon tape, two pump adapter fittings
• Pump Compatibility: Pumps with 1/2"-14 NPT or NPSM ports
• Installation: Permanent in-line — stays installed year-round, ready for each winterization season
• Works with: Camco Water Heater By-Pass Kits for improved winterization efficiency
• Note: Water pump sold separately
• Condition: New

Additional Information

How the Pump Converter Works — and Why It's the Most Thorough Winterization Method:

Most boats with a pressurized freshwater system have an onboard 12V water pump that pressurizes the system whenever a faucet is opened. The Camco 36543 converts that pump into your antifreeze distribution tool by installing a brass 3-way valve on the pump's inlet side:

• Normal operation: The 3-way valve routes water from your freshwater tank to the pump inlet — no change to normal system function
• Winterization mode: Turn the 3-way valve to redirect the pump inlet to the siphon tube, which you drop into your antifreeze jug — the pump now draws antifreeze instead of water
• Run each fixture: Open faucets, flush the head, run the shower, and operate the washdown one at a time — antifreeze flows through every line, fitting, and valve in the system
• Complete coverage: Because you're using the pump at normal operating pressure, antifreeze reaches every part of the plumbing circuit that water normally flows through — including lines that a hand pump or gravity-feed method might not fully pressurize

The permanent installation means next year's winterization takes minutes — drop the siphon tube in an antifreeze jug, turn the valve, and run the pump. No setup, no searching for fittings.

Compatibility Note: This kit is designed for pumps with 1/2"-14 NPT or NPSM threaded ports. Verify your pump's port thread size before ordering. Most standard 12V marine water pumps (Jabsco, Shurflo, Whale, and similar brands) use NPT or NPSM ports in this size range, but confirm against your specific pump model.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will this kit work with my onboard marine water pump?
The Camco 36543 is compatible with pumps featuring 1/2"-14 NPT or NPSM threaded ports. This covers most standard 12V marine water pumps. Check your pump's port thread specification — it will be listed in your pump's installation manual or on the pump housing. Contact us at MacombMarineParts.com if you need help confirming compatibility with your specific pump model.

2. Does the 3-way valve stay installed year-round?
Yes — that's one of the key advantages of this kit. The brass 3-way valve installs permanently in-line on your pump's inlet and stays in place through the boating season. In normal operation it routes your freshwater tank supply to the pump with no effect on system performance. At winterization, you simply switch the valve position and drop the siphon tube into your antifreeze jug. No seasonal installation or removal required.

3. How much antifreeze do I need to winterize my boat's plumbing system with this kit?
The amount depends on the total length and volume of your plumbing lines. For most trailerable and mid-size boats, one to two gallons of non-toxic propylene glycol marine antifreeze is typically sufficient for freshwater plumbing winterization. Run the pump through each fixture until you see pink antifreeze exiting — that confirms the line is fully protected. Have an extra gallon on hand in case your system has more line volume than expected.

4. What type of antifreeze should I use with this kit?
Use non-toxic propylene glycol-based marine antifreeze (pink) rated for the lowest expected storage temperature in your area — typically -50°F for cold climate storage. Do not use automotive ethylene glycol antifreeze (green or orange) in any freshwater plumbing system, head system, or any line that contacts drinking water.

5. Can I use this kit to winterize my marine head system?
Yes — if your head is connected to the pressurized freshwater plumbing system for flushing, running the pump through the head's flush cycle will push antifreeze through those lines as well. For heads that use raw water or a separate dedicated pump, consult your head's service manual for the correct winterization procedure for that circuit.