Pod Pump Not Working: C302

[Rocky Lou]

My pump for the outboard pod stopped working. I found the fuse was blown, however, when I replaced it, the new fuse immediately blew as well. Hence, there must be a short. How do I access/change the pump? I see 3 pie holes, but, looking inside them does not give me any access. Kindly advise?

 

[Ralf H]

Hi Rocky,

You should be able to see the bilge pump for the pod in the lower portion of the center of the pod. This will give you access to the wiring for diagnosis. Hope this helps.

Thank you,

Ralf

 

[Rocky Lou]

Ralf, does the boat have to be out of the water to see the pod pump access? I see three pie holes, viewing downward, but none that access the bilge pump.

Thanks,
Paul

 

[Ralf H]

Hi Paul,

No, the pod interior is accessible through the PYHI plates in the engine well. There are two that are a simple twist-open type. Opening either one should allow you to reach the pod bilge pump. It may be offset to one side of the pod or other, so one plate may be a bit better for access to the pump than the other, but you'll see that when you open them.

Cheers,

Ralf

 

[Rocky Lou]

Ralf, today I went over to the boat and powered the pod bilge pump directly from the aft switch by connecting a power source. The pump worked fine and cleared many gallons of water. That means the problem is between the aft switch and the fuse located in the cave. The wire must be shorted somewhere but it is not visible in the area of the bilge nor in the area of the fuse panel. Any ideas how to diagnose this faulty wiring? Thanks, Paul

 

[Ralf H]

Hi Paul,

Not sure, since we made some wiring changes over the years. Can you let me know what year your boat is?

Thanks,

Ralf

 

[Rocky Lou]

Ralf,
Installed new pump and am no longer blowing fuses, thanks for helping. The two side PYHI holes allow light, but, you have to remove the cover board, then get to the small PYHI hole that is hidden underneath center. Nice to have hundreds of pounds less weight on the transom, particularly, on a stern heavy boat. Also, unfortunate that a pump would fault after 1.5 years, however, I've read several other posts about these Rule Auto pumps not lasting. I'm going to keep a spare on board since I have at least two other identical bilge pumps.

~Paul

 

[Ralf H]

Hi Paul,

That is good news. Glad that you were able to get it resolved. Sorry about the apparently short lifespan on that pump, but I'm sure it was just an aberration. Always good to carry a spare regardless. You never know what can happen.

Cheers,

Ralf