Cruising Sailors Forum Archive

Bilge Pump issue.

Bilge pump (manual) has been acting strange all season. Still moving water, but obviously not happy. Two days ago, I pulled the pump and tested it with my hand across the inlet and outlet - gave suction and pressure just like it's supposed to. Figured it was a bad suction connection, and actually found a broken hose clamp on the inlet side. Replaced the hose clamp, and it was still acting strange. OK, replace the whole inlet hose, says I. Back into the locker to remove that. Then I figure, I've got the rebuild kit for the pump - why not install it, after all - the pump is 38 years old! So, I rip it out again, bring it home, and get it apart. Amazing it worked as well as it did! The worn spot is NOT visible from the other side.