Live Wells Question

txnupe2010 · March 30, 2020, 12:05:51 PM

If your starting battery was really low, would the live wells still function?

Mike Cork · March 30, 2020, 12:13:21 PM

Probably not, most livewell pumps are connected to the cranking battery.

txnupe2010 · March 30, 2020, 12:20:11 PM

So it basically needs 12v to function?
But the bilge pump will continue to work?

Mike Cork · March 30, 2020, 12:22:26 PM

It really depends on the pumps.

I know an atwood pump will not work if it can't get nearly 12 volts. They are basically mini motors, but when you add that they have to move water the drag effects the power draw. So if a battery is very week it may not be able to sustain the amps needed to run the pump or pumps.

Should be the same for a bilge pump though. If you're bilge pump is working then there might be something else going on.

Chip Harm · March 31, 2020, 10:24:40 AM

The other thing that can affect the pump is "gunk" (scientific term). Have you pulled the pumps and cleaned them out. They pull a lot of "gunk" from the lake and especially the bilge from the bottom of the boat.

txnupe2010 · March 31, 2020, 03:03:21 PM

Thanks Chip!
I will have to check that!

txnupe2010 · April 29, 2020, 09:30:40 AM

Chip and Mike, my problem was my cranking battery and charger. I have replace both and all is well.
Thanks fellows for your replies.

TxNupe

Mike Cork · April 29, 2020, 05:22:50 PM

Thanks for the follow up on the fix.

Glad you're working again.