Bilge Pump Problem

[dpw-ct]

Every time I turn on my bilge pump on my 1996 cobalt 220 it runs for 2-3 seconds then trips the circuit breaker.

Any idea what to look at ? what might be wrong.

 

[Silly Seville]

Re: Bilge Pump Problem

Welcome to iboats!

Check your wiring. Is it properly grounded or sitting in water with loose connections?

If there is debris in the pump itself (the rotating vanes) that may overload it too, although very unlikely.
I would check for loose, wet, corroded, badly grounded wires.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Bilge Pump Problem

I would look at a new bilge pump, if it is anywhere near as old as the boat it needs replaced anyhow.

 

[soggy_feet]

Re: Bilge Pump Problem

What gauge wire are you using?

 

[dpw-ct]

Re: Bilge Pump Problem

What gauge wire are you using?

Thank you will check these out and let you know what I find. Trying to figure out how to remove the pump and switch now

Thanks

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Bilge Pump Problem

Too little electrical resistance would cause the circuit breaker to pop out. As stated, your bilge pump is probably singing it's swan song, but you should check the wiring to make sure there is not a short circuit somewhere. The bad part would be if you replaced the pump and still had the circuit breaker problem. . .

 

[dpw-ct]

Re: Bilge Pump Problem

Do you know what brand and model bilge pump a 1996 cobalt 220 would have. Any suggestions on what to get to replace it

 

[dpw-ct]

Re: Bilge Pump Problem

no sure - original equipment

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Bilge Pump Problem

Unless you like wasting money replacing good parts, Get the current one out first and determine that it is actually bad!

The shotgun approach of just buying new parts based on a hunch gets expensive fast!

Who's to say the circuit breaker isn't the culprit?

 

[EddiePetty]

Re: Bilge Pump Problem

...most bilge pumps that I have encountered are induction type motors; even a locked rotor should not draw sufficient current to trip the breaker. I highly suspect a faulty connection or wiring.