Did I trash my bilge pump?

[jdlough]

It's an automatic pump, but also has a manual switch.

I flipped it on, to get the last bit of water out, then got distracted with kids and tubing and forgot about it for about 20 minutes, so it was running dry.

It seems OK, but did I damage it? (Like impeller damage if you run an outboard without muffs)

I plan to install a redundant pump anyway.

At least it's one of the cheaper parts of the boat.

Jim

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Did I trash my bilge pump?

can you pull it out and test it in a small bucket of water?

I think some brands can be ran dry, but not the exact best thing for em..and you are right, it is one of the least expensive things ya can mess up..

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Did I trash my bilge pump?

It's an automatic pump, but also has a manual switch.

I flipped it on, to get the last bit of water out, then got distracted with kids and tubing and forgot about it for about 20 minutes, so it was running dry.

It seems OK, but did I damage it? (Like impeller damage if you run an outboard without muffs)

I plan to install a redundant pump anyway.

At least it's one of the cheaper parts of the boat.

Jim

ill bet its fine.....plug the transom and fill the bilge a little bit with a hose and see if it pumps out.....i have forgotten mine a few times, but i have a Rule pump and they are notorious for taking a beating lol.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Did I trash my bilge pump?

probably fine.

which pump do you have?

 

[NW Redneck]

Re: Did I trash my bilge pump?

If it's a Rule pump you're probably OK. I er... I mean Someone left one running dry for a good hour once and it didn't seem to bother it. It was on a work boat anyway (worked at a fish farm at the time) so it would've been their dime.

 

[rolmops]

Re: Did I trash my bilge pump?

They do not really run dry.The water just is not high enough to be pumped up.It still is high enough to keep the impeller wet.

 

[jdlough]

Re: Did I trash my bilge pump?

It's a Rule.

I hosed off the deck, then ran the pump, and it seemed to work as usual.

I am just concerned that this cheap, but very important boat-bit, may now be "iffy". I don't know if bilge pump impellers melt or are trashed as quick as OB water pump impellers.

I'll just keep an eye on it for a while, but it seems OK.

I'm still gonna install a redundant back up. (That sentence, itself, is redundant, but you know what I mean.)

Thanks,
Still a noob,
Jim

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Did I trash my bilge pump?

Yours is OK but to answer your question I'v eseen them melt (from electrical) and I've seen the impeller shaft break (from cheap parts from China). You have the right perspective; it's a cheap but vital component.