Bilge Pump Issue

[300sflyer]

1998 Sea Ray 280:

Hey folks,

Both bilge pumps in the engine compartment have an issue. After testing them by putting water in the bilge with a garden hose, they both seem to function fine for about 7-8 seconds, but then stop working, as each of them trips its own breaker switch. The water pumps out just fine, but it appears as though the pumps are drawing too much power for the breaker switches to handle. I have reset the two switches many times, but the same thing happens again.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[Don S]

Re: Bilge Pump Issue

What size are the pumps (Amp rating), and what size are the breakers for each?

 

[300sflyer]

Re: Bilge Pump Issue

I assume both the pumps and the breakers were there from the factory, but I will attempt to find out more info.

 

[Don S]

Re: Bilge Pump Issue

If they are original and worked in the past, you can disconnect the breaker and temporarily put the same size fuse in place of the breaker. If the fuse blows, then the pump is drawing too much current (Bad pump?) if it doesn't blow, then the breaker is getting weak.

 

[300sflyer]

Re: Bilge Pump Issue

Don't have a lot of history on the boat, however I do have more info now. The pumps are rated at 2000 GPH. The first letter in the pump manufactuer name, starts with the letter P. I can't read any more info off of the pumps, as they are buried under the twin 5.7s towards the transom. The 2 breakers have a 4 amp rating on each.

 

[Don S]

Re: Bilge Pump Issue

Not sure what your pumps are, but I do know that 4 amp breakers aren't enough. That's the size you use for those little 500 gph pumps.

What color are they?

 

[300sflyer]

Re: Bilge Pump Issue

The two pumps are white in colour, with light blue "sure bail" float switches. I was thinking 4 amps is not enough too. It would be easier just to replace the breakers, but I have not idea where to find new ones that fit in the panel. [see in picture above]

 

[Don S]

Re: Bilge Pump Issue

Rule pumps are white, with blue and red lettering. But that isn't a P.
Rule 2000 GPH pumps use a 15 A breaker.

Pull the panel and see if there is any information on the breakers themselves.

 

[300sflyer]

Re: Bilge Pump Issue

The breakers have the name "Carlingswitch" in red lettering on them.

I can only conclude that someone switched out the two pumps, and thought it would be better to have ones with a higher GPH rating, but did not take into consideration the 4 amp breakers.