How do you get to bilge pump??

2

2catchfish

New Member
May 13, 2009
49
Thomasville, Georgia
Boat Info
1998 SS 230 BR
2000 Suburban 4X4
2005 F150 4X4
Engines
7.4 454 EFI B III
400 HRS
I took the boat out this weekend and noticed that the light on the dash indicated that the bilge pump was running but nothing was coming out of the hose on the side of the boat. When I lifted the hatch I could see water circulating and hear the pump running. So I have two questions?
1. Is it more likely that I have a bad pump or that the line has come loose?
2. How do I get to the pump to repair it. Thanks!!!!!!!!
 
A pump won't evac everything - there will always be some left. Add more water and retest.

Getting to it? How quickly does blood rush to your head when you're upside down?
 
Hey Dennis,

Is there a better answer to accessing the bilge pump? I can see where it is (kind of); but it seems that repair work has to be done by feel. How is it possible to see where it is located?
 
John, your set-up is different than Brad's, but the theory is the same.

A mirror-on-a-stick can do wonders to visualize everything. But, when it comes to actually getting to it - it all depends on the boat. Sometimes it's not too bad - other times you basically have to be a contortionist. On the Sundeck, you might be able to get to it from the port-side compartment as I believe that wall is removable? Even so, I just don't remember if there's enough room to snake your arm down between the engine and the "stringer". I don't recall how much room you have in front of the engine to hang down there and feel around.

Believe me, I know what you're up against. Been there, done that many times. I'm sure it looks funny to someone outside the boat when all they see are some legs/feet dangling, upside down, in a boat!

Sometimes, it's easier to just install a new one in a more accessible location.

On the 230BR, it's going to depend, somewhat, on the type of seating plan. If it's a motorbox, that makes it easier. If it's a sunpad/bench... we're back to the harder part. BUT, there is the added benefit of being able to access it from both the stbd and port side of the engine... if not from the front.

Double check me on this (it's been a while), but if either of your got really ambitious (Sundeck or BR with Sunpad/bench)... I believe you can remove the large, solid piece that is in front of the engine. At least, I'm pretty sure the bench is - less sure about the SD.
 
Fish,

My bilge pump went out several years ago and was a victim of bilge cleaning. Essentially, I cracked the male fitting that connected to the hose from hitting it one time too many with a mop on a stick. My boat has a small block with the U-shaped bench. I could barely touch it with my long arms. I suspect access is even worse with your big block. If you have the same interior configuration as mine, the only other shot you may have is gaining access by removing the engine partitions. Next step would be removing the carpeted center section and/or the u-shaped bench as previously mentioned.

I would not recommend re-positioning the bilge pump to a more accessible area as your pump sits on a pedestal, which is simply a glassed in wood block. Repositioning it would require drilling into the hull - not a good idea.

By the way, if you are getting water into the bilge, it could be from leaking bellows or the garboard assembly. If so, I would look into a repair sooner rather than later.

Take care and let us know what you do.
 
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SeaRide said:
I would not recommend re-positioning the bilge pump to a more accessible area as your pump sits on a pedestal, which is simply a glassed in wood block. Repositioning it would require drilling into the hull - not a good idea.
Click to expand...

You're right - don't screw directly into the hull. But, the pump base could be glued down or simply glass in a new piece of wood. The latter would be my preferred way, and really isn't that hard to do. Although gluing in the base is fine - if it breaks, just chip/break/file/whatever it out and re-glue another one.
 
Lazy Daze said:
You're right - don't screw directly into the hull. But, the pump base could be glued down or simply glass in a new piece of wood. The latter would be my preferred way, and really isn't that hard to do. Although gluing in the base is fine - if it breaks, just chip/break/file/whatever it out and re-glue another one.
Click to expand...

Perhaps, but access foward of the engine is limited as well, at least with my configuration. Well, he could use the approved carriage bolt repair..........................................just kidding.
 
SeaRide said:
Perhaps, but access foward of the engine is limited as well, at least with my configuration. Well, he could use the approved carriage bolt repair..........................................just kidding.
Click to expand...

:grin:

You must have the sunpad/bench combo?
 
For what it's worth, the 2002ish and newer 230/240s through the 2005 model year were available with the walkover transom/three quarter style bench and sunpad have very good acess to the bilge pump.
 
Guys thanks for all the help. I was looking at it yesterday and it looks like I will be better off taking the seat out and going in through the deck. I just don't see how I can get my arms into such a small gap. With the big block there is only 4-5 inches of space between motor and hull. The boat doesn't leak, we had the camper enclosure on and stayed out in a steady rain for 5 hours.
 
Brad, do you have the sunpad/bench setup, as well?
 
No problem, Brad.

I'm just wondering if it might be easier to remove one of the engine bay partitions? Then you can kneel next to the engine or lay on your side (fetal position!) to get your arm where it needs to be.
 
See that bilge pump here btwn the engines? The hi-water pump is just aft of that one. The only way I can get to them is if the exhaust systems are off BOTH motors. Then I can stand btwn (if I stand sideways) and contort myself to be able to reach them. When I had the manifolds off, I removed both pumps, rewired them and put a new float switch on the hi-water one (it was not working).

100_2908.jpg
 
Thanks for the feedback. Yes, there is a removable cowling at the front of the engine (supports the seat/engine hatch), but still doesn't leave much room. There is also a removable port side panel. Not much access either way. Why the heck would an engineer put a bilge pump under the engine... Oh yeah, to piss off the mechanic!
 
Ron,

Looks like your bilge area was desinged around the "I can see it, but can't get to it approach." This way you can spend hours on trying to figure out how to replace the pumps without removing the manifolds, but after about three hours of trying, you see there is no other way but remove them!
 
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And I thought I had it bad on my boat. Rondds, there is no room in yours. That looks like a 12 pack job. Drink 12 beers and the body seems to contort in ways you didn;t know. Just make sure you have someone there ot pull you out.
 
Bucit said:
And I thought I had it bad on my boat. Rondds, there is no room in yours. That looks like a 12 pack job. Drink 12 beers and the body seems to contort in ways you didn;t know. Just make sure you have someone there ot pull you out.
Click to expand...


or maybe after drinking the 12 pack it won't hurt so much when you write the check to pay someone else to replace the pump......:smt013
 
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