Livewell pump problem

[blakjack23]

Hi all,

I had a tournament this past saturday and after catching my first keeper I go to turn my livewell on and I get nothing. I check the fuse, its blown, so I replace it and right when I hit the switch, to either auto or manual, the fuse blows. I went through five fuses already. I was messing with is yesterday and got it to work for five minutes but the next thing I know it is blowing fuses again. Is it possible the pump is jammed and causing the fuses to blow? I tried to take the pump out to look at it but I can't get the darn thing out. Can anybody tell me how to get it out or what my problem might be? Do the pumps usually twist out or is there some screws holding it in? I have a 1998 BassTracker PT185. I have another tourney tonight so I will be doing the manual drain/fill with a bucket again

Thanks!

Alex

[stmichael]

It should twist about a 1/16/-1/4 turn counter clockwise and it should release .... It sounds like you could have a wiring issue, whether it be in the pump itself or somewhere along the line. The wires are either bumping into each other and or the HOT wire is grounding out. Hopefully it is just a plugged pump.

Hope this helps.

[Gissert]

I had a pump on my Lund this year that had a seized shaft/impeller, and it did what you describe. Disconnect the positive lead from the suspected pump, and place it where is won't short to ground. Put in a fresh fuse and turn on the pump. If the fuse blows, you have a problem in your wiring, if the fuse does not blow, I'd suspect the pump.

If you can get the pump out, try and see if you have a rock or debris in the impeller.

Try flushing out the pump and plumbing with a garden hose too.

[Valv]

What's the color of the pump ?

[blakjack23]

Its white with a red top. I believe its this one...

I don't see any clips and I can't twist it.

Rules website did say what these other guys mentioned...

"Repeated blown fuse

Fuse rating or clogged impeller

Re-check fuse to verify compliance to pump specifications. Also examine impeller area & clean any obstructions."

Now I just need to figure out how to get it out....

[Valv]

I believe these have 2 tabs on each side, I can see them in picture, press them and it red section should just slide out.

I am sure impeller is full of junk or frozen, that's why it blows fuses.

[blakjack23]

Thanks Valv, I have my boat at work today so I will run out in a bit and give it a shot.

[blakjack23]

Well it turns out that my model does not have any type of quick release. I emailed Rule and I got this response back this morning....

"Thank you for contacting us. The Model 201FAA is a non-cartridge pump, the motor cannot be removed. In order to check the Impeller you would have to remove the thru-hull fitting from the boat. Then remove the four screws that hold that hold the threaded pipe onto the pump. "

[Valv]

....I would reply to them and say...I bought a Mayfair, so I won't have this problem anymore....

You can actually find out if you give power to it right there at the pump connection, if it doesn't spin, get another one.

Be sure to use a lot of silicone to seal inside and outside when you re-install it. Also the threaded section will be way too long, you have to cut it up to desired lenght.

Finally, don't get a large capacity pump, even if it's an attractive idea, chances are your oveflow will not keep up with the level of water and you'll flood the boat. Get the size is installed now or slightly bigger.