Bilge Pump Blowing Fuse

[AndyNegus94]

Hi I've got a 86 ranger 373v and the bilge pump keeps blowing the fuse. I'm thinking its a bad ground but not forsure. Has anyone had similar issues or know an easy way to check the grounds or trouble shoot the issue. It's my first boat and I haven't had it very long or been around boats much so I'm not real familiar with all the technical stuff. Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks

[ww2farmer]

The pump motor is probably shot, and drawing too many amps if it's the original pump to the boat. I'd replace it, then if the new pump keeps blowing fuses, look deeper. A new pump is not very expensive, and, like I said, if it's the original, it's almost 30 years old..............time for a new one.

[Way2slow]

Either the positive wire is getting against a negative wire or the pump motor is bad. Checking for a short in a basic circuit like that is about as basic as it gets. If you are not familiar with how to do that, you might want to take it to a shop or find a friend. All you have todo is disconnect the red wire near the pump, turn the pump on, if it still blows the fuse, the wires are shorted somewhere, just run new wires. If the fuse does not blow when you turn it on, the pump is bad.

I guess the first question should be, what size fuses are you using? Depending on the size pump, it should be between a 5 to 7 amp.

[WIGuide]

It could be a short, or it could be the pump. If I had to take a guess, I'd say it's probably the pump. Follow Way2slow's advice though and check the circuit first. Rangers have a quick disconnect on their pump wiring so just unplug the pump and test it out. 

[cbass12]

We had this same issue with our 1993 Stratos 280 SF this spring. I was certain that it was the bilge pump and took it to a local marine repair center. Turned out the pump was fine but there was a circuit under the dash that was causing the short, we also had a couple loose ground wires under the dash as well. My electrical knowledge is slightly limited so there really was no chance I would have found that problem. Only cost about $200 which I didn't think was too bad.

[AndyNegus94]

Tonight if I have time I'll try to take a look at it and try what way2slow was talking about, if not it'll be tomorrow night. I just need it done by next weekend, got my first tournament! Lol

[joefish]

Could also possibly have debris stuck in the pump housing causing the pump motor to overload.since it cannot turn.  Check this first, easy fix if that is the problem.