Question: Bilge pump blowing fuses?

(Posted by: notimetosail on 2008-10-31 05:19:12)

One of my bilge pumps keeps blowing fuses when the switch is in the automatic mode. the on mode its doesn blow the fuse but doesn't work either. How can I determine if the fault is in the switch, ground or positive leads?

Posted by: jtexas on 2008-10-31, 10:38:50

96.5% of all electrical problems on board boats are caused by corrosion/ loose connections. Wiring inspection every couple-three years is a real good idea, more often in salt water. Only thing you can rule out from your description, is the pump ground wire must be ok. Possible you have two problems -- a faulty helm switch, *and*, a faulty or blocked pump *or* direct short to ground in the pump wiring. If you want to do your own boat maintenance, an autoranging digital multimeter is a real handy tool, walmart has one for $25 -- not the best, but good enough. Kilo is steering you in the right direction -- you just have to methodically take components out of the circuit until it works -- except don't take the fuse out the circuit -- if it *is* a direct short to ground, you'll be looking at melting insulation with fire not too far behind. If changing fuses while troubleshooting gets to be too tedious, you might find it convenient to temporarily bypass the fuse with a manual reset circuit breaker (two, maybe three amps, tops). Should be able to find 'em at a car parts store.

Posted by: pyroline8 on 2008-10-31, 05:27:41

Lol its time for a new 1

Posted by: Kilo on 2008-10-31, 05:59:27

You have just answered you own question there is a problem with the auto function. wire around the float switch and put the dash switch in the auto position if the pump runs it's the float switch if it blows the fuse its the wires. If you have access to a voltmeter check to see if the positive side has continuity to Ground

Posted by: 45 cal on 2008-10-31, 12:01:36

Pump As that's all that's grounded > so check the pump first > Then if it works than check the wiring >

Posted by: Richard C on 2008-11-01, 06:24:41

J texas is all over this one. He's correct go right to the wiring in the area of the pump itself, where they connect to the boats wiring. A simple test light will work as well, in fact, better than a volt meter. A lot less expensive too. clean and refasten your wires while your there, and they will be good for a while. Also clean the strainer, yes there's one, inside the pump. they get gunk-ed up. It's just maintenance......Good luck!

Posted by: Deralict Boater on 2008-11-01, 08:57:02

You have some very good advise here listen to it kilo Jtexas and Richard they have all given you the best advise for diagnosing and repairing your problem. So all I can add is most people can't think in , or visualize electrical circuits. For this reason DYI'ers often cause more damage to a boats electrical system than what it would have cost to have a shop repair the problem in the first place. Be very Careful

Posted by: trunorth on 2008-11-01, 13:04:22

I know you aren't going to like this answer, but it sounds like a process of elimination. Do the easiest first and see if that solves the problem. Then repair the next, and the next. Best of luck.