Bilge Pump runs but doesn't pump

[ronjon444]

I have a 24' SeaRay and the aft bilge pump does not pump water. I can hear it running. It is not plugged that I can tell, I have manually picked around the base. Any suggestions?

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Bilge Pump runs but doesn't pump

Depending on the pump, pull it out of the base and check the impeller...

 

[navigator336]

Re: Bilge Pump runs but doesn't pump

It could be the impeller is slipping on the shaft or is severely damaged. Have you checked the discharge tubing and thru-hull fit for occlusions? You could use a garden hose and back flush through the thru-hull and see if water flows freely out of the pump base.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Bilge Pump runs but doesn't pump

Does it have the positive/negative switched? This can cause it to spin the other direction...and not pump.

 

[daaw]

Re: Bilge Pump runs but doesn't pump

I too have a bilge pump that runs and doesn't pump. Well it pumps sometimes and sometimes it doesn't. I have replaced the pump (Rule 750) to no avail. I have backwashed the line with a garden hose, and when I do it starts pumping, but will go back to not working. It is almost like it needs to be primed to get it to work. I have found that if I take the pump off of the base while it's running and move it around a bit it will pump fine but the next time it is liable not to work. Very fustrating. Any ideas?

 

[navigator336]

Re: Bilge Pump runs but doesn't pump

Daaw,<br /><br />It sounds like there is something in the discharge tubing or at the junction of the tubing to the thru-hull moving around and blocking the line at times. You might try the garden hose trick in reverse (from the pump end of the tubing)to see if flow is restricted in the outbound direction.

 

[ronjon444]

Re: Bilge Pump runs but doesn't pump

I found a bunch of fishing line wrapped around the shaft of the impeller, roached. I bought a new one and installed the new pump to the existing lines in about 15- minutes and it pumps fine now. Thanks for the input.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Bilge Pump runs but doesn't pump

Just so you know. Sometimes my pump runs but doesn't pump. It appears to be a airlock issue in the pump discharge hose. If you stop the pump for 2-3 seconds and then restart it, it works fine. I haven't tried fixing it, but I think I am becoming concerned.

 

[jmc830]

Re: Bilge Pump runs but doesn't pump

had a new wellcraft bowrider in 2002 kept it in the water noticed after it rained one night there was lots of water in the boat bilge would run but not pump any water if you put your finger in the hole and give it a suction pop it would start pumping dealer could never fix it. i always made sure it was primed before and after use but was always nervous when it rained out