[C320-list] Re - Bilge pump cycling excessively - Brian Branchard

[David J Cardoza]

Similar to this Catalina uses some Styrofoam when assembling the liner
into the hull some of the that had broken free and worked its way into
my pump reducing its affectivity and trapping open the anti backflow so
it would pump it out of the bilge but only into the hose and it would
slowly seep back and pump again.  Another cause could be a fresh water
leak from your water heater or a hot or cold water line.  A number of
people have seen this.  In the case of it being an issue with the pump
its fairly easy to dismantle and clean.  I eventually put a raw water
strainer on the pump to stop this from happening and keep the pump
working incase its ever really needed.

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Brian
Branchard
Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2010 10:20 PM
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Re - Bilge pump cycling excessively - Brian
Branchard

I had something very similar, however, what it turn out to be was a
crack in the bilge pump line just under the galley floor. The bilge pump
would run, fill up hose and spurt just a little out of the boat before
turning off. Basically filling the line was enough to empty bilge.

Then the water would slowly leak back out through the crack and the
process would start all over again. The water came in through the same
water port as water coming from the stuffing box, making it seem like a
stuffing box problem.

Once you get stuffing box tightened ie no dripping when at the dock, dry
the drain path, then add some water to bilge and see if anything comes
back. If it does, you know you have another source, like I did. Sneaky
bugger! I disconnected line from bilge and pulled a new line through.

Brian Branchard
Ricochet 407

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