How do I get to my bilge pump??? (Newbie)

[mikegdodge]

Re: How do I get to my bilge pump??? (Newbie)

Lookin at your pics I notice you do not have a screw in transom plug, Are you using on of thos expandable rubber plugs?
If so that may be your leak because it looks like you did have a screw in plug at one time and has since been removed.

No..I am currently using the screw in Plug...I disassembled the "reciever" to clean out the old "calking" and am going to re-do it...not sure if it will help...but my thoughts were it sure couldnt hurt..

 

[Wingnutt]

Re: How do I get to my bilge pump??? (Newbie)

When replacing the thru-hull fitting, make absolutely 100% sure that you use a below the waterline rated sealant or you WILL be re-doing it again within a year of two. Two that I recommend are Life Caulk (although it tends to yellow after a few months), and 3M 4200 Fast Cure Caulk. If you ever use 3M 5200 consider that a permanent repair because that stuff is almost impossible to remove!

 

[nlain]

Re: How do I get to my bilge pump??? (Newbie)

I was thinking that would be what I would have to do to get to the pump..Thanks for the input...which side did you disassemble? I am wondering which side to disassemble that would give me the easiest access.. Also..I have my boat parked out back...I just went to look at the 3 bellows that you described..they seem to be in great condition although I could not see every inch of each one..heck, they almost look as if they are new... perhaps it would be easier to determine if they are leaking when I pull the boat out of the water... You know...I noticed just now that there is a broken hose clamp of some sort laying in the small ammount of water in the bildge..I am guessing I might have just found the culpret..now If only I can find the hose that it beloned to...

If your boat is built like mine, the Starboard/right side and center is what I removed. Look at the hoses and wires, which side do they go up, mine are all run together and on the starboard side. If your boat and JimKW is the same vintage you may want to check for the hinged section. Oh and by the way, I am 66, I now understand why they charge so much labor to work on a boat. Seriously, labor rates are high, car, truck, motorhome, boat, just does not matter it is expensive to pay someone else to do the work.

 

[Beefer]

Re: How do I get to my bilge pump??? (Newbie)

I'm really, really, really surprised that nobody pointed something out that could save this guy's life (and others)....

Before starting your engine, you should always A) life the doghouse/engine hatch; B) turn on your blowers for at least 5 minutes; and C) stick your nose in there and sniff for gas. This will remove any accumulated fuel vapor that may be in the bilge, and (hopefully) reduce the likelihood of a fatal explosion.

That should be one of the first thing you do when you board before setting out, especially on a wet-slipped vessel. You should also be doing a pre-launch checklist, which should include things like checking for water in the bilge, checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, power steering, etc., as applicable). As a new boater, you should get into the habit of doing these things and more before the family climbs aboard. These simple checks can reduce the chance of a great day of boating turning into a nightmare....

With that said, welcome to iboats, enjoy the new boat, and the new hobby, but remember, it's a dangerous and expensive hobby, and should not be looked upon lightly. Ok, enough of my doom & gloom.

 

[mklawz]

Re: How do I get to my bilge pump??? (Newbie)

I had been figthing a similar leak. I cranked up the bow in the driveway and filled the bilge with water. Found the culprit immediately - the caulking around the drain plug flange got old and crumbly. Resealed it with some 3M 5200 and all is well.

Per that one photo you posted, it looks like you are already on it...

 

[stackz]

Re: How do I get to my bilge pump??? (Newbie)

No..I am currently using the screw in Plug...I disassembled the "reciever" to clean out the old "calking" and am going to re-do it...not sure if it will help...but my thoughts were it sure couldnt hurt..

when you put the receiver back in put 5200 on the screw threads and around behind the opening of the receiver to properly seal it to the hull so it doesnt leak around that.

Well, I am only 26..and what I would consider smaller yet fit stature...I applaud you sir for getting into that area!!!

No...The bilge pump does not turn on...no noise...the light on the stock switch does come on..the fuse is good..but nothing happens...

find the wires at the bilge pump itself and disconnect them as close as you can to the pump itself and then twist some fresh wire long enough to reach the battery to each one and test it directly at the battery. this will tell you if the pump actually works or not and if its the wiring that is just old and internally corroded/broken. the switch can pull power from the fuse panel and light up and yet between the switch and pump there could be a bad connection in the wire...or there might be another hidden fuse thats blown.

also, if you cant get in there to replace that pump, nothing says you actually have to, just get another pump and some waterproof quickset epoxy. wire up the pump and then slather the back with epoxy and hold it in place until it sets up. then pop the outlet hose off the old pump and put on the new pump, instant new bilge pump. not the "uber clean" method of doing it but it will work.

definitely take a better look at that keel section that looks damaged. very well could be thin or cracked so water intrusion there could be a real possibility.

 

[mikegdodge]

Re: How do I get to my bilge pump??? (Newbie)

Thank you everybody for your responses and input...I think I have enough information collected from everybody to get most of my (current) issues taken care of..Perhaps in the next week or two, I will have it all handled. I can't wait until I have the knowledge to help others who are in need of help!!

 

[haley]

Re: How do I get to my bilge pump??? (Newbie)

I can't wait until I have the knowledge to help others who are in need of help!!

You already are! I read this thread and picked up at least three great tips from folks helping you with your problem.