Mercruiser 4.3 bilge pump not working

[rapidrick]

I have a 97 Searay 175 BR with a Merc. 4.3 and the bilge pump has stopped working. I have checked all fuses and tested the switch with an ohm meter. Fuse and switch both ok. in fact the switch has a small blue light on it that shows when it is on which is working. The pump is hard to get to and I am looking for some guidance here. any help is appreciated.

 

[MrBill]

Re: Mercruiser 4.3 bilge pump not working

Given your description of the problem, the pump is most likely has a clogged impeller. You'll need to pull the pump and clean it out, or after it's out you'll be able to diagnose. Clogging of the impeller is rather common.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser 4.3 bilge pump not working

The pump is hard to get to

Ayuh,........... It's a Boat..............<br /><br />Bilgepumps will Easily become plugged with All sorts of Things,.....Leaves,... Critters,... Band-aids,....Hair-ties,... Fishing lines,...And of course,.. General Crud,.....<br /><br />You'd think that a boat design engineer would put these things within Reach of a normal person,..........<br /><br />Nope,............. Only by a Contortionist,...... After you Remove 1/2 of the Interior of the Boat.........<br /><br />Ahh,.. Well,..... Sorry for the Rant,......<br />MrBill has it Right,........<br />Ya Gotta get the thing In your Hand to go any further.............. <br /><br />If it's Give Up the Ghost,+ Needs Replacing,.......... I'd go with the Biggest that'll fit in there.......<br />And,.... Make the Splices for the wiring as High as reasonable,..... Dryer is Better.....

 

[michaelfagan]

Re: Mercruiser 4.3 bilge pump not working

When I replaced mine I got the biggest one that would fit my hose and it did me well. It turned out the one that was in there just wasnt strong enough to get the water out. The very next time I put the boat in I did need it and it was there, definately worth doing, and you should also have a backup.

 

[imported_Curmudgeon]

Re: Mercruiser 4.3 bilge pump not working

The switch light only shows you have power to the switch ... one way or the other you'll have to access the pump. If the pump is a '97 in addition to the boat, replace it out of hand. Pumps don't last forever regardless of how many years Joe Smuckburger will tell you he got out of his.

 

[rapidrick]

Re: Mercruiser 4.3 bilge pump not working

Thanks for all of the responses. I will start digging tomorrow

 

[KRS]

Re: Mercruiser 4.3 bilge pump not working

I would blow compressed air down the hose to backflush it first, maybe a little critter... bandaid... etc. Bondo... will nudge out and it will work fine then.

 

[drewwitlin]

Re: Mercruiser 4.3 bilge pump not working

Safer than Sorry, the bilge may have power, may spin, but may not be able to expell the water due to age.

Replace the Pump

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser 4.3 bilge pump not working

drewwitlin, why are you replying to a 2005 post?????
Read the archives, don't reply to them.