Jabsco Model 3600 diaphragm bilge pump. The pump operates, but it doesn't seem to generate enough suction

[KGarvey]

I have a Jabsco Model 3600 diaphragm bilge pump. The pump operates, but it doesn't seem to generate enough suction to move the water from the bilge all the way to the discharge at the stern. I removed the hose and confirmed that there is some suction, but it seems weak.

A new replacement pump is fairly expensive, so I'm wondering if anyone has rebuilt one of these pumps. If so:

• What rebuild kit did you use?
• Was the rebuild successful?
• Did it restore the pump's suction and performance?

Also, has anyone replaced the Jabsco diaphragm pump with a different type or brand of manual bilge pump? If so, what did you use and were you satisfied with the results?

Any advice or recommendations would be appreciated.

 

[kloudie1]

I would suspect that there is some debris in the check valves. That would be the most likely cause. Other causes would be bad wiring which would not allow enough power to get the motor to full speed, or a broken diaphragm.. Since schmutz migrates to the bilge, a disassembly and cleaning would be a good first course of action. Let us know what ya find..

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Since schmutz migrates to the bilge,

Dang, another term I'll have to add to my nautical vocabulary .

 

[kloudie1]

MAN! you should have seen the 30+ year old schmutz in the false bilge of my H-34.. Definitely had migrated there .. unlike the coco nuts referenced in the Monte Python movie..