Bilge pump

[agaliha]

I was winterizing my B361 today and when I emptied the water heater into the bilge I couldn't get the bilge pump to pump out the water. After several attempts, I opened the strainer and poured water into the line. This primed the pump enough for it to work. I guess the pump hasn't been wet since last year when I emptied the water heater into the bilge. I have a dripless packing gland, so the bilge is a dust bowl. Should I pour water into the bilge every 3 months to keep the pump wet? Anyone else have this problem. What if I had a leak and the pump is bone dry?
Agaliha

 

[Philip_Oceanis 361]

All pumps mention somewere "never run dry" so I guess you have already answered your question!!
My bildge is rarely completely dry because of one simple reason. I need to remove (unscrew) that horrible little propeller measuring speed on water every now and then so there's always some water getting into the bildge. So how do you manage to keep it clean? Mine will get stuck if I don't use the boat for 2-3 weeks. Unless you are lucky enough to use the boat almost every day.

 

[DougM]

Seems to me that the pump should be self priming. Its possible that the impeller is worn out and needs to be replaced. If its a Jabsco or Shur-flo pump replacement kits should be readily available.

Having a normally dry bilge shouldn't be a problem. My bilge has always remained dry. The only time its seems to get any water in it is when I clean it or drain my water heater.

 

[agaliha]

Thanks, Doug. I will look into a rebuild kit. I also noticed that when it did finally pump, it was dripping, so your diagnosis is probably right.
Philip, my speedo impeller fouls very rarely. I sail in fresh water (Tennessee River) and we get very little bottom growth. Even when I pull the instrument out through the the hull tube, I get very little water because there is a rubber flap that closes behind it. I get about one small sponge worth of water in the bilge.
Thanks, guys.
Agaliha