Bilge pump runs does not pump

[oddysea1]

I have a Rule 1500 gph which appears to run-The impeller spins like crazy, however no water is being pushed through the bilge hose to exit the boat. When I hit the switch a little shot of water goes out and then nothing. Just looking for some possible issues to investigate. Thank you Andy

 

[alldodge]

Pop the top of the pump off the base and look at the impeller and water intake openings

 

[GA_Boater]

Is the pump in enough water and deep enough?

 

[Scott Danforth]

bilge pumps do not get the last 3-4" as they draw a vortex

 

[mike_i]

Did you actually see the impeller spining and not just hearing it? Do what alldodge suggested but pay attention to see if the impeller is spinning. Some of the pumps had issues with the shaft corroding and braking. So the shaft/pump may be spinning but the impeller isn't. I had this issue years ago with a rule pump. Otherwise put the pump in a bucket of water or fill the bilge with enough water that the intake of the pump is submergerd by several inches.

 

[crazy charlie]

What does your wiring look like? Try this as I remember having a pump a looooong time ago that had the wires switched bass ackwrds and instead of it not working,it worked but spun backwards.its a longshot but worth a look.Another possibility is hair or string/debris wrapped around the impeller which wont allow it to draw.Charlie

 

[poconojoe]

What does your wiring look like? Try this as I remember having a pump a looooong time ago that had the wires switched bass ackwrds and instead of it not working,it worked but spun backwards.its a longshot but worth a look.Another possibility is hair or string/debris wrapped around the impeller which wont allow it to draw.Charlie

Nice concealment!

 

[oddysea1]

The pump wiring is the same before this issue- the impeller is spinning and there was plenty of water in the bilge. Thankyou for possible causes will take another look tomorrow. regards Andy

 

[poconojoe]

Is the hose still connected to the pump?

When you say a little shot of water comes out, is that right at the pump with the hose disconnected or outside the boat at the through the hull fitting?

If it's outside the boat:
Could the hose be the problem?
Clogged?
Kinked?
Could the hose have a split or a hole in it?
Leaking fitting somewhere? Maybe it's just spewing out somewhere and returning to the bilge. Somewhere you can't see.

If you haven't already done it, pull the hose off the pump and give it a try. Maybe the pump is not the problem.

 

[ahicks]

Check the outlet for blockage. Bugs build nests there all the time....

 

[oddysea1]

Disconnected bilge pump from hose .Water runs through pump outlet perfectly .Placed and ran pressurized water in bilge hose-no restriction or leak. Placed hose back on- impeller spins creating noticeable turbulent current in bilge water and a little comes out through bilge hose outlet. A head scratcher. Thankyou so far for advice-

 

[alldodge]

The impeller fully seats in the housing but it doesn't pump
Did it ever pump ok?
How high is the outlet above the bilge?

 

[GA_Boater]

Post a picture.

 

[oddysea1]

The pump ran fine when the boat was in the water-on the hard now -problem came up-Impeller looks properly seated and spins with impressive rpm's the outlet is about 4.5 ft. above pump the hose length is about 9 feet.

 

[alldodge]

The 4.5 ft rise drops the pump output to around 900 gph but should be able to lift that far. List 650 gph at 6.7ft

Has to be something with the pump sealing of the hose

 

[ahicks]

The 4.5 ft rise drops the pump output to around 900 gph but should be able to lift that far. List 650 gph at 6.7ft

Has to be something with the pump sealing of the hose

I would agree only AFTER the outlet/discharge port was confirmed clear....

 

[oddysea1]

I have only a little play in hose to cut back to a fresher end- or any opinion about sealing end attached to pump with water proof silicone for a better seal

 

[alldodge]

Try this, disconnect the hose from the outlet
Place the hose down lower and turn the pump ON
If the pump flow is good, slowly raise the hose until it stops

 

[dingbat]

Sounds like the pump is air locked.

 

[DarrinT]

Check the outlet for blockage. Bugs build nests there all the time....

Spiders and caterpillars block mine virtually every year!!