Bilge pump doesnt work

blackhole100 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-08-2010

we just purchased a 74 Pearson 30. Eveything works EXCEPT bilge pump. I turned on switch and nothing happened. Any ideas as to diagnosis process? thanks!

deniseO30 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-08-2010

Did you have it surveyed? No one showed you the in and out of this boat when you bought it? is there water in the bilge? Does the pump have a float switch or one built into it? is there power?

k1vsk · #3 (**permalink**) 05-08-2010

An essential piece of equipment on any boat is a voltmeter. Check voltage AT the pump. If you have 12V there, you know the pump/switch is/are bad. If no 12V, you know the problem. In either case, a voltmeter is one of the fundamental tools onboard.

blackhole100 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-08-2010

thanks Denise. How do we diagnose whats wrong. We did have a survey done to check hull integrety. Most other stuff we know since we have owned sailboats for 20+ years (I dont lie about my age, Im only 29--lol). Never had an electic bilge problem before. We have power..new batteries..everything else works.

deniseO30 · #5 (**permalink**) 05-08-2010

Find the pump wires, make sure the float switch is "up" connect a volt meter or even a light bulb to the wires, if you have power there good,, and pump doesn't work, some get the impeller stuck with debris, motor itself may be stuck, A new one isn't expensive

I actually don't lie bout my age.. no one believes my real age when I tell em!

Boasun · #6 (**permalink**) 05-08-2010

With a Volt meter:
Check for power at the switch.
Check for power at the bilge pump wire leads.
check the bilge pump for resistance (ohm meter)

Power going through the switch. Switch off, no power. Switch on power. all is good.
Power at the bilge pump wire leads, Good. No power? run new wires.
That will leave the bilge pump its self. Most you just replace the whole unit. A prime opportunity to upgrade to a larger one. But if it is the type you can repair, then open it up and see what you can do.
Usually if it is the bilge pump and not a clogged pickup hose or discharge hose you will need to replace it. Clogged hoses can cause the pump to burn out.
so keep trash, rags, paper towels and clothing out of the bilges