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I have replaced the original shower sump on my 98 258 Vista with a West Marine unit. Lately, I have noticed that the pump will run but will not pump out the water in the box. I have removed the top of the box, removed the motor and rotor - while running - to confirm that in fact the rotor is turning. While the motor and rotor are still running, I have then re-inserted them into the housing and, voila, the pump will empty the box -- usually. Sometimes I have had to do it several times before the pump will empty the box. What is going on? Why will the pump not empty the box until I remove the motor and reinstall it? Any thoughts will be appreciated.

Thanks,

My first thought was a kinked discharge hose until I read all your post. The way you describe it my guess would be an electrical problem, in particular, bad crimp connection or broken wire. That would explain why it will sometimes work after you move it. That's all I can think of checking at this time. Good luck!

Very likely!!

To find out, I would take the cover off and pour water into the sump. Watch & see what or what does not happen. At the same time you can move the wires to see if the pump turns off & on.

I need to clarify the situation. When I open the box, the motor is running and the impeller on the pump is turning but the pump does not expell water. I first thought there must be an obstruction in the outlet line, but, upon reinserting the pump into the housing, the pump will then expell the water and shut off when the water level falls and the float switch turns off the motor. I also wondered about some type of air pocket but I didn't think that would affect the outlet side of a centrifugal pump. It just occurred to me that perhaps there is some type of obstruction on the inlet side of pump housing that moves when I remove pump. The inlet is (temporarily) cleared and the pump functions normally. Then, after the pump shuts down and teh water sits for a while, the obstruction (whatever it is) moves to pump inlet and interferes with the pumping.

Anyway, it is something to take a look at the next time I am on the boat.

Cheers,

On the "perhaps there is some type of obstruction on the inlet side of pump housing that moves when I remove pump." Than it would be backing up into the shower and when the pump was removed, you would see the water pour out.

You did mention that you replaced the pump, but not why you replaced it. Was it for the same problem?

I am thinking, that under load, the impeller is slipping. Take the pump out, hold the impeller, push & pull on it. Is it slipping?? If not, turn the pump on & hold it. If the motor stalls, its not the pump. IF it runs & you can see the center shaft turning, you found the problem.

Dear Paul 1:

I had to replace the entire original shower sump unit because it the motor failed and it seemed easier to replace entire unit. When the pump fails to discharge water, the water simply flows into the bilge through the small hole where the wires to into the box. Good idea on checking to see if the impeller is spinning on the shaft - I definitely check this when I go to the boat.

Thanks