Bilge Pump Blowing Fuses

[jwharan]

My bilge pump runs for about 2 seconds, and then blows the fuse, any ideas?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Bilge Pump Blowing Fuses

Ayuh,............<br /><br />There's a Short in the Circuit...........<br /><br />Is the Pump Jammed ????<br /><br />Look for broken or damaged Wires........

 

[springhead]

Re: Bilge Pump Blowing Fuses

Like bondo said, also check the float, that can be bad and cause the fuse to blow.

 

[jwharan]

Re: Bilge Pump Blowing Fuses

can you be a bit more specific? what is the float? The pump spins for about 3 sec, and then it blows. I have cleaned it out good with a hose, took it apart. I am not sure how to look for a short in the wire, because it is working fine for a few sec, There is a brown and a black wire coming out of it, should i just follow those? any other ideas?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Bilge Pump Blowing Fuses

Is the correct size fuse being used (probably around 5Amp)? If the pump is more than a few years old, it is possible the bearings have tightened up causing the motor to draw more current than normal. Seperate the motor from the base and turn the motor shaft by hand. If turns hard its binding. At the nominal cost of pumps, replace it, its not worth the effort to try and salvage the old one.

 

[jwharan]

Re: Bilge Pump Blowing Fuses

It says to use a 2A on the pump, and the fuse box has it wired for 3a, it is blowing 3a's. IT turns fine for 3 sec, then blows

 

[FishyFun]

Re: Bilge Pump Blowing Fuses

get a new one.....<br /><br />lee

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Bilge Pump Blowing Fuses

I suggested that you turn the motor by hand. If it feels tight, it's drawing too much current and blows the fuse. If that's the case, replace it. Watching it run for three seconds and blowing fuses is not proving anything other than you have a great way to test fuses. An alternate test would be to simply disconnect either the brown or black wire as close to the pump as possible. Turn on the switch. If the fuse blows in three seconds you know its NOT the pump and you have a wiring issue.