Bilge Pump question on 1989 Bayliner Capri

[Horse4190]

I tried switching on my Bilge Pump switch in the dashboard out of the water (garden hose) and I don't hear anything cracking. Is the Bilge Pump will work only if there are waters accumulated in the small storage area located in the floor of the boat?

I don't even know where the bilge pump located and I am not sure if near the battery or in the middle behind the Outboard Motor? Thanks for your help.

 

[poconojoe]

Your pump, your switch or wiring might be no good. You could just have a blown fuse. So, a lot of things could cause this. However, It can depend on how it's wired too.. Usually the switch at the helm will over-ride any float switches. Usually...but over the years previous owners might have messed with the wiring.
I would test for voltage in and out of the helm switch. If there's no power, it could be a fuse. If its good, I would physically look and find your pump. Check for voltage at the pump with the helm switch on. Also, they can easily get clogged with debris. Sometimes the pumps are mounted in a twist off mount. By twisting counter clockwise you can remove them, clean them and test them.

I have a 2003 Bayliner with an I/O and my bilge pump is right underneath the front of my V6 engine. Is yours an I/O or an outboard?

 

[poconojoe]

You could also have corroded connections somewhere.

 

[Redfred1]

Am guessing we have same boat. Mine has a 21 gallon gas tank. The bilge pump (on mine) is located back by the drain plug. Should be able to hot wire from the battery to check if its good. Very tight space; so good luck.Mine was full of crud (dirt rocks; string; etc. Might backflush the drain too.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Like Redfred1 said it should be in the bottom of the bilge as far back by the drain plug.
You shouldn't have an automatic switch(unless it was installed later) just a small 350/450gph pump.
Joe, he said it's an outboard.
Check the fuse and wire connectors.

They don't make much noise, but if everything is quiet you might hear a buzz.
Try turning it on and reach in and touch it.
The type they used, you squeeze the tabs on the side then lift it up.
They can get clogged and bind by something as small as a small match stick.
Bugs really like the outlet hose, they build nests and clog it off, high pressure hose from the inside of the boat
after the pump is removed from the hose.

 

[Horse4190]

Thanks for all your help. I will check this today. Are the fuses also located near the pump?

 

[Jiggz]

No, the fuses are located under the dash. Although, it would not surprise me if it could be an online fuse.

 

[Redfred1]

Agree with under the dash.While you are back in that cramped space; take a shop vac and suck all the crap in the bilge. Might restock your hooks and weights.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Some boats have the pump wired direct to the battery.
The Bayliners usually didn't.
But check the wiring around the battery and battery box.
There could be an inline fuse from the battery to the fuse panel, but if that was bad, none of the light, accessories would work.

 

[Horse4190]

I found the bilge pump and small size like almost the size of the tennis ball. Very hard to get in and closely check and can only use my left hand to reach. Like Joe said, do I have to remove the bilge top portion only by counterclockwising and not to remove the whole thing? Not sure if it was installed by screw or tied and if just to remove the top portion only, its better. Fuses are all okay. Thanks

 

[Redfred1]

I remember the cramped space! I would turn it on and feel or listen for a hum. The top should twist off CCW; but is probably stuck. with age. When you get it apart; back flush the drain.(Its a cheapo pump, smaller than a pint Mason jar).. Good Luck!!

 

[jerryjerry05]

Different pumps come apart in different ways.
You should be able to see in there?
Maybe remove the battery box?

 

[Aledar]

I have similar problem. How do you get the pump OUT? It's only 1/2 inch below the oil pan. Looks like (From a very limited view) that is sits on a small block made into the hull. There appear to be tabs or something that will allow it to disengage from it's mount. BUT.. it has no room to come out of it's mount..
SUGGESTIONS???

 

[The Force power]

I have similar problem. How do you get the pump OUT? It's only 1/2 inch below the oil pan. Looks like (From a very limited view) that is sits on a small block made into the hull. There appear to be tabs or something that will allow it to disengage from it's mount. BUT.. it has no room to come out of it's mount..
SUGGESTIONS???

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