Wiring Problem

[Solittle]

I am troubleshooting an inoperative bilge pump. So far I have determined that the pump works by direct wiring it to the battery. I also checked the float switch with an ohm meter and it is OK. That leaves the wiring as the problem.<br /><br />I followed the wiring for the float and cleaned some connections and have good power there. My remaining problem before I make all the connections is with the switch on the dash. I checked the switch itself with an ohm meter and it appears to be OK. I turn the switch on and have 8.5 volts going to the wires for the pump at the back of the boat. It got too late tonight to dig into the circuit breaker panel and wiring bundle to look for more cruddy connections (the boat is an 1988 - used in salt water).<br /><br />My question is will it harm the bilge pump motor to run it with 8.5 volts - assuming it will run at all?<br /><br />I would rewire it fresh but this is a CC with a narrow diameter tunnel under the floor.

 

[DJ]

Re: Wiring Problem

SoLittle,<br /><br />8.5 volts is not enough. <br /><br />Rewiring shouldn't be that hard, use the old wires to fish through the new ones.<br /><br />In other words. don't pull the old wires out until you've attached the new ones to it.

 

[crab bait]

Re: Wiring Problem

if you have 'THAT' problem,, you'll have more of them problems.. <br /><br />you really need to adress it.. <br /><br />just scrapin' off green dust ain't goin' to do it.. <br /><br />clean an solder everthing you can.. get it all good..

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Wiring Problem

Doubtless you don't even really have 8.5 volts. Try hooking up a small 12v light bulb to where your reading 8.5 - it won't light and your voltage will drop to 0. Probably moisture is bridging a break somewhere along the line and making 8.5v 'appear'. Isolate you problem by measuring resistance on each lead back to the battery (pos and neg), with at least one lead of the battery disconnected. Then you'll know which wire to follow.