Bilge pump blowing fuses

[Rick from Lafayette]

I have a brand new Tracker, under warranty, but the dealer is over an hour away.
I would like to try to fix this myself, if I can. Every time I place a new fuse in the panel, it blows as soon as I turn on the bilge switch.

I'm guessing a short? Where do I start looking? Can it be a bad switch? I would appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks,
Rick

[BigDBasser]

The first thing to do is to check to make sure the pump does not have something stuck in the impeller which is stopping it from turning.  Depending on the type of pump you have, you can remove the pump without removing the housing.  Rule Pumps will separate the pump from the housing.  If the impeller is not locked up, disconnect the pump and then turn on the switch.  If the fuse doesn't blow, your problem is in the pump.  If it does, your problem is in the wiring or switch to the pump.  That will give you a starting point. 

[Rick from Lafayette]

Thanks, Big D.

I will start there, with the pump.

[BassBUFF]

Good advice from BigD!

[Rick from Lafayette]

Big D,
I finally got to the pump this morning and was able to unscrew the cartridge. It was a Mayfair Proline pump. I didn't see any obstructions but stuck my finger in the base and went through the motions of cleaning it out. I checked the impeller and it looked OK. I put a fuse in and turned the switch on and it ran w/o any problems and the fuse held. I put the cartridge back in the base and turned it on again and again the fuse held.
Thanks for your help. Now I don't have to worry about the rain. The only downside is, I think my right arm is now 2 inches longer than the left after reaching down to that pump.

[BigDBasser]

I know what you mean.  I'm glad it worked out for you.

[Mark from NY]

The impeller was probably stuck due to water getting in the seals. If you bumped the impeller or turned it by hand while it was apart this can break it free temporarily and it may run fine for a short period, but I would bet money it doesn't have much of a lifespan left.  Plan on changing the motor cartridge soon.