Aerator on livewell runs continuously

[Snoots]

I own a 1988 VIP Fish and Ski with a main bilge and two additional bilges for live wells. Separate control panel switch operates the main bilge in transom and there is a switch for aerators.
(Edit: 2 aerators not additional bilges)

Trailored the boat and noticed one live well aerator running while on the ramp. Switch on dash did not turn off. I had to disconnect battery.

I had anchored overnight in the water the night before, so I had taken on some water which I drained and bilged. I have never really used the live wells, have not had boat long.

I would appreciate any suggestions on where to start the diagnosis.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Bilge on live runs continuously

Re: Bilge on live runs continuously

Lets clarify some terms. The pump that pumps water out of the bilge is a "bilge pump". The pumps associated with your live wells are "live well pumps" or "aerators". These are two totally different styles of pumps. The switch labeled "aerator" operates the livewell/aerators. A bad switch is a possibility but is not the likely problem. If the boat has an automatic float switch for the bilge pump, that may have some debris in it causing it to stick. As for the livewell/aerators, check to see if they have a "timer". If they do the switch would be a three position with Run-off-Auto settings.

 

[Snoots]

Re: Bilge on live runs continuously

Re: Bilge on live runs continuously

Thank you for the reply and clarifications. The pump in question is a live well aerator. I had never used the live wells before and I'm not sure if the switch labeled aerator on the console works as I have never tested. Is the three position switch you are referring to the console switch or a switch on the aerator itself?

Apologies for the lack of an immediate verification. Boat is stored in a different area than where I live and I had to load and scoot last weekend so I didn't have the opportunity to fully investigate the problem

 

[Snoots]

Re: Bilge on live runs continuously

Re: Bilge on live runs continuously

Got back into this issue this weekend. The switch is basic on off. I removed the switch from the console, reattached the battery terminal and aerator begin to run -- with switch completely removed.

The two aerators are wired with a common ground. When checking, I discovered that one aerator was fried and melted internally. Purchased new switch and two new aerators. Wired new aerators same as old with common ground. Prior to installing switch, reattached battery terminal. One aerator begin to run -- same as before. Will try and install new switch and see if this changes anything. Does this symptom suggest a diagnosis or something else to check?

 

[snowman48047]

Re: Bilge on live runs continuously

Re: Bilge on live runs continuously

The switch is basic on off. I removed the switch from the console, reattached the battery terminal and aerator begin to run -- with switch completely removed.

You have an standard ON-OFF switch. This is normal for some aerators. If you take out the switch and connect the wires the aerator will run. This is normal. It sounds like maybe ONE is an aerator and the other a fill pump. Is there another switch?

 

[Snoots]

Re: Bilge on live runs continuously

Re: Bilge on live runs continuously

Only one on-off switch for both aerators, which I find a little unusual. The old aerators were "Basspirator #4000 livewell aerator pump" manufactured by Mayfair. I am attempting to replace the originals with 2 Johnson Livewell Aerator Pumps. When I connected the wires to the switch, new aerator #1 began to run. I flipped the switch to on and new aerator #2 began to run. In off position, aerator #1 continues to run. Seems to be something with the positive wire on aerator #1.

 

[Snoots]

Re: Bilge on live runs continuously

Re: Bilge on live runs continuously

Didn't get the problem resolved this weekend. Will continue to contemplate. The fuses did not appear to be broken or discolored in the block. If the positive and negative wires for the aerators start from the fuse block, I guess I will and trace the hot wire from aerator #1 from the pump back to the fuse block to see if I can find an issue. Aerator #2 seems to be working properly in that it turns off at the switch. I'll also check the common ground.

In dry dock until I get this resolved. Especially since I broke a thru hull during the process.

 

[SUBMARINER47]

Re: Bilge on live runs continuously

Re: Bilge on live runs continuously

If both pumps are connected to the live well, then one may be the pump-out pump. Check to see where the hoses lead to . The aerator (water in) will go to a bar or spray nozzle on top of tank. Pump out pump (water out) will come from the bottom. Both pumps should be controlled by a switch. If one of the pumps is connected directly to the battery, then put a switch in line. You might want to go on line and find a owners manual. If need I can send a general diagram of the setup I also think bass pro has a picture in it's catalog

 

[Snoots]

Re: Bilge on live runs continuously

Re: Bilge on live runs continuously

Thanks for the reply. I will check this out. I assumed the aerators were one for front well and one for back, but I will check the hoses as you suggested.

In the meantime, I took a picture of something hanging from under the console. Can anyone identify this component and could it have something to do with the problem? Apologize for the blur.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Bilge on live runs continuously

Re: Bilge on live runs continuously

There appears to be some information on the unit. What does it say?