Bilge pumps

[Matty]

While i will do more checking thought i would ask to see if others have had this issue. Both bilge pumps in the aft compartment keep blowing fuses immediately when you manually turn them on. They also do not run automatically now. The switches at the helm trip as well. I reset them, replace fuses and manually turn them on. Switch trips and fuse is blown again. Seems odd it happened to both at the same time.

 

[Kevin Lamont]

While i will do more checking thought i would ask to see if others have had this issue. Both bilge pumps in the aft compartment keep blowing fuses immediately when you manually turn them on. They also do not run automatically now. The switches at the helm trip as well. I reset them, replace fuses and manually turn them on. Switch trips and fuse is blown again. Seems odd it happened to both at the same time.

Matty,

If the bilge pumps are the Johnson style with the “black box” float switch, you may need to try and clean the face of the float and if that doesn’t help I would look into replacing them as they can go bad. Both at the same time seems odd but they have been known to cause this issue. Also check the butt-splice connectors for any corrosion. Does the high water alarm work as designed? Test by turning off house switch and test float then test by pressing the high water alarm switch at the helm, with the house switch on for that test. You can always email me too.

Thank you,
Kevin Lamont

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

In addition to Kevin’s suggestions I’d recommend taking the bilge pump out of its housing. Once out make sure the drain hole to the drain hose is clear of any debris, check the small impeller at the base of the pump to make sure it is clean of any debris and turns freely. Let us know what you find. Also when wiping the black sensor face, use a degreaser product like 409 to clean it well.

Jim

 

[Matty]

Took one out. Impeller does not move. These are the Rule automatic ones. I am going to replace. Surprised the would fail this quickly as boat is not quite a year old. We are on the intercoastal so it is salt water. I will take it apart and see if it broke down inside.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

If your boat is one year old you should make contact with Fluid Motion, as I think the warranty is for three years. Worth checking into.

Jim