Washdown pump switch failure

[nzfisher]

My wash down pump switch/fuse combination has failed- no surprise really, poorly designed switch exposed to the elements in a corrosive environment. Has any one replaced this with a full enclosed (covered with plastic for instance) switch? If so, were did you find it. I would like to fix this and the neutral switch at the same time if possible( see below).

 

[walldog]

My 27 had 4 years with no failures, my 31 now has two seasons with no failures, and I use the washdown alot. Am I in the minority or are you? What say others?

 

[knotflying]

My experience has been that his switch needs periodic maintenance. You need to clean the fuse contacts inside and the fuse itself. Clean and apply corrosion block. Remove all of the wires at the terminals and clean all the contacts and the connectors. Apply corrosion block. You should be back in business for a while.

 

[nzfisher]

"My 27 had 4 years with no failures, my 31 now has two seasons with no failures, and I use the washdown alot. Am I in the minority or are you? What say others?"

There are hundreds of fish that go through my boat each fishing season. Lots of blood all over. It gets washed down almost after each drift. I try to avoid washing the switch area but others are on the boat as well on most trips and water gets all over no matter how hard you try to contain it. Given this maybe I am expecting too much and should just get used to replacing the switch and associated wiring. After taking the switch out to inspect it so see what I am in for the localized wiring switch innards and fuse holder are trashed. I am building a "hood" to keep off direct water drip and will waterproof as I can for the new switch assembly. Thanks for the replies. As of yet I have not found an upscale waterproof switch of the correct amperage.

 

[knotflying]

Short of trying to buy a different switch of some protective box, check it and clean it as a periodic maintenance item and perhaps it won't get to the point of replacement.

 

[no re-Gret]

I'm having the same problem. I've been fishing every weekend for about 4 months so the wash down gets a lot of use. I also use it to circulate the water in a bait well. This weekend I went to use it and nothing happened even though the fuse light was on. Changed fuses at the switch and fuse block just in case and still nothing. I bypassed the fuse at the switch and it came on but once it turned off by the pressure switch on the pump it wouldn't come on again. Any thoughts? Is it the pressure switch or the power switch or the connectors on the wiring? Anyone know where to get replacement parts?

 

[nzfisher]

I bought a new Johnson pump kit off the internet as a replacement some time ago thinking it has a shortened life with how much use it gets. After really looking at the switch and associated wiring I decided to replace the whole unit. I made a new housing for the switch which has a "hood" to keep off localized dripping water and put a gasket behind the plate to help keep water out. Looking at the manual I noticed that they show a pre filter that could be mounted in line. I also noted that there is no valve between the wash down pump and the raw water filter. These means that if the pump failed and leaked, bad news. ( I finally have a reason to keep the raw water valve closed.) I will be installing another in line valve before the wash down pump just in case. The manual suggests replacing the lower end of the pump with the pressure valve if it fails to come back on. You might consider contacting Johnson pump, they might have a secret fix. You might consider trying to blow pressured water through it to see if that changes things. As work on the Tug goes, it was an easy fix with good access.

 

[no re-Gret]

It seems water from using the wash down was making it behind the switch and corroded all the connections. I clipped and replaced all the connectors using heat shrink and coated with dialectic grease replaced panel switch the reset in with silicone adhesive to prevent water penetration. We will see how long that lasts. If you have a picture of the cover you made I'd love to see it.