Bilge pump "kinda" not working.

[lmannyr]

I check my engine compartment every time Start up and shutdown to check bilge level. For some reason, I had water in my bilge today. Not sure what is leaking but my bilge pump runs but shoots out the water from the cap. I have 2 Rule 850GPH pumps beneath my Mercruiser. If I pushed down on the cap, it would pump overboard, if not, it pumped through the cap (or beneath it, can't remember.

Is there anything I can check before I just replace the thing.

Thanks!!!

 

[gcboat]

Re: Bilge pump "kinda" not working.

Is that like being 'kinda' pregnant? Sorry.
Take a look at the snaps on the top half of the pump. Sometimes that get messed up - or broken - and the seal to the discharge line is broken. From your description that sounds exactly like your situation. Also get in there and look for anything that might be clogging or disrupting it.
If for any reason you can't find the problem - change it !!! It's very cheap insurance.

 

[gss036]

Re: Bilge pump "kinda" not working.

I second the idea of checking the side clamps. I paid a boat shop last summer to change the bilge pump, they put in the same model, well as things go I had the bilge all tore apart this past month and while the pump was the same model, they used the old base and needless to say, the clips would not properly engage and hold the pump to the base. They had given me the box with the new base still in it, put it in and it worked just fine. I did find a very corroded wire for the float switch which kept it from working. I was able to easily fix with the bilge open.

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Bilge pump "kinda" not working.

thanks....I'll look into it today.

Is the base the same for the ext model up? Anyone know?

thanks

 

[gcboat]

Re: Bilge pump "kinda" not working.

It all depends on the manufacturer.

 

[P 0 P E Y E]

Re: Bilge pump "kinda" not working.

Some of the newer pumps have a hemispherical screen just under the pump. There should be two quick release snaps on each side of the pump to hold it to the base.

Carefully depress the tabs lift the pump and see if there is foreign objects stuck in the pump slinger.

Have patience because people often break one of the tabs. On some installations you may need to loosen up the hose clamp.

You may also want to check to see if the hose is clear. One quick test is to take a garden hose and spay it into the discharge thru-hull fitting, see if junk comes out of the hose or from the bottom of the pump.

If you dont have one already, it is a great idea to install a high bilge alarm. They sell kits form Rule and others. It is basically a float switch that you mount higher in the bilge so if the water gets over your pump, an alarm sounds.

In our work boats and launches, we just mount an extra float switch about 3 or 4 inches higher in the bilge and connect it to the ships horn.