bilge pump

[sea wolf]

the circuit breaker for my bilge pump had tripped & now it will not reset. if i hold the breaker in the pump will run. i don't believe the pump is bad as it is not that old, & the wiring is correct. how can i check to see if the breaker is bad? it is original with the boat {87}. what amps are the pumps usually rated at, in case i need to replace the breaker?

 

[grandx]

Re: bilge pump

Bilge pumps amp draw can vary depending on capacity (gallon/hour) and efficiency. Could draw as many as 20 amps or as little as 3. It used to work in the same circuit, but now doesn't... could be worn out and dragging causing it to pull more amps than original, may have bad connection or corrosion causing more amp draw. What is make, model, gallon/hour. Maybe someone here knows how many amps it draws. What amp breaker is in circuit now? could take breaker out and replace with same size inline fuse. Don't run the circuit without proper size fuse or breaker in line... it could catch fire without protection.

 

[smalloutboardsarecool]

Re: bilge pump

In other words get a new bilge pump!

 

[sea wolf]

Re: bilge pump

i didn't think i needed a new pump as it's only a couple years old. it ran fine till the breaker tripped. the pump is a west marine, 750 gph. i upgraded from a 500 gph. i'm wondering now if the original breaker is rated for this pump. i didn't have the boat in last year, so this pump has barely been run. does anyone know what the draw is on a 500 gph vs. a 750? i don't have the old pump {as a matter of fact i just tossed it the other day} so i can't check the rating.

 

[DJ]

Re: bilge pump

sea wolf,<br /><br />Don't condemn that pump yet. Circuit breakers can act strange like that, just like GFI's in house wiring. <br /><br />If you do not have an ammeter, temporarily wire in a fuse holder and place fuses in the holder varying in amperage until you find what it takes to pop one. I would start with a 2 amp and work up to no greater than 10.<br /><br />Also, check to see you do not have something wound up in the pump impeller-such as fishing line.

 

[sea wolf]

Re: bilge pump

djohns, sounds like a plan! thanks.

 

[grandx]

Re: bilge pump

It's all becoming clearer now. Chances are good that the 500 gpm pump draws less amps than the 750 yet you are using the same breaker. If you don't still have the installation instructions, West marine probably still sells the same pump, call em and ask what size fuse to use. Put the correct one in line and by pass the circuit breaker all together. Should use the "slow blow" type fuse on pumps as well. If it blows the correct fuse you have another issue.