bilge pump testing

[petiboy]

How does one test a bilge pump when I cant get at it. I want to know if it is recieving current or not. <br /><br />I turn the switch on but it is not pumping. <br /><br />Thanks,

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: bilge pump testing

Hi petiboy,<br /><br />I hate to state the obvious but if you can't get to it, and it is bad, how are you going to replace it? Sort of a catch 22 don't you think?<br /><br />You will need to figure out a way to get at it, no other solution, sorry.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[ThomWV]

Re: bilge pump testing

The alternative solution is to take it at face value and assume that if its not running that its no good. Once you've got that far, and can't reach the thing, the next step is to start looking around to find the spot where the factory should have mounted it in the first place. Leave the old pump right where it is and mount a new pump where they should have put it. Run new hose to the existing fitting, run new wire from the existing switch (check it first) and install a new Float Switch (use one by ShurBail I think is the name of the company who makes those blue ones, no one else). None of these parts are expensive and none of it requires any special knowledge or tools to install.<br /><br />Thom

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: bilge pump testing

Thom,<br /><br />Excellent solution - I'll go stand in the corner now....

 

[rattana]

Re: bilge pump testing

If you have an ohm meter you can test for continuity through the pump. With the power off, put one meter lead on the 12VDC wire to the pump, put your other lead on the negative wire going to the pump. You should have a reading on your meter between .5 ohms and 5 ohms(approximately). If it is any lower you could have a short and will blow the fuse. If it is too high then there is too much resistance to current flow and the pump will not work. Infinite resistance indicates an open wire or the windings in the motor are open.

 

[rattana]

Re: bilge pump testing

As an after thought, did you check for 12VDC power at the switch?