the bilge pump is pumping but doesn’t have enough power to lift it the 3:5 feet to get the water overboard
Powering bilge pumps
- Thread starter Bill lee
- Start date
It would eliminate the guessing games by knowing the following:
What kind of pump? How old? Is this a recent phenomenon? What, if anything, has changed? Did you measure voltage getting to pump?
So you've had this new problem with the new pump? If voltage is correct you may have a defective or undersized pump.
Don't know what you mean by 3:5 lift but will take it that the plumbing was in the boat and working before you switched pumps. Make sure the discharge line is free of blockage, some bugs have been known to burrow in the discharge port. Shoot water in or out with a hose. Check the wiring installation for polarity and for voltage. Make sure the rating for capacity in Gallons Per Hour is the same or larger than the pump it replaced. If all checks out then you likely got a bad pump.
Perchance, is this a centrifugal pump like those inexpensive Rule pumps? Their thru-put is overrated IMHO.
They air-lock easily, too. "Cheapness" is their only virtue.
Replace it with a Jabsco chamber-type pump. I have a model 37202, and you should shop around for best price. These can be found for a bit over $200. Good quality, and lasting for a couple of decades is normal. These actually put out the flow that they promise.
Of course, as others point out, do check the voltage at the panel AND at the pump wiring connection.
They air-lock easily, too. "Cheapness" is their only virtue.
Replace it with a Jabsco chamber-type pump. I have a model 37202, and you should shop around for best price. These can be found for a bit over $200. Good quality, and lasting for a couple of decades is normal. These actually put out the flow that they promise.
Of course, as others point out, do check the voltage at the panel AND at the pump wiring connection.