Bilge Fuses Continue to Blow

[jmcveagh]

I believe my bilge pump is either clogged or there is a wiring issue. I have found that the 7.5 amp fuse for the float switch blows when I fill the bilge with water. I have also found that the manual switch 7.5 amp fuse blows when I try to turn the pump on. This leads me to think that I could have one of two issues, One...there is debris in the pump intake that cause the pump to "overheat" and blow the fuse, or Two...I have a wiring issue where the positive is going to ground down at the pump. I believe that the pump and the float switch are on the starboard side under the engine. I can't see under there right now, I need to be able to lift the engine lid (seat cover type) higher to get it out of my way. I have two questions...On the sundeck 220 is there a way to release/remove the two shock absorbing engine cover supports without unscrewing them from the hull? Is there only one bilge pump to get clogged (the automatic portion of the bilge system is only a switch)? Thanks for the help! -john

 

[jmcveagh]

Debris in the bilge strainer was the casue of my problems. The impeller could not turn which produced undue force on the motor which blew the fuse (as designed). Discovered that I could remove the five bolts that secured the panel below the rear seat / engine hatch and reach down and disconnect the pump from the strainer. Once the pump was accesible I could clean out the impeller and test it. It worked immediately and I proceeded to flush all the trash that was in the bilge out. Lesson learned... try and prevent leaves, river mud, and other natural debris from getting down into your bilge if possible. Also, tell your mechanic to throw the misc. trash that they create when working on your motor outside of the boat...you would be amazed at the electrical connectors, screw clap ends, and other trash I found down there. :smt021

 

[quailrunner]

Might want to get a new pump - they are usually cheap. I've had this problem on an older (1987) Sea Ray, and once it tripped the fuse, the bilge never seemed to work right until I replaced it (the smaller Rule pumps are really cheap).