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wick68355@aol.com wrote:
> I have a few questions about the original bilge
> pump. Can it run dry or will
> it be toast if you do? And what is a close
> replacement for the original pump
It will be toast if run dry, also draws too much
current. Jabsco Utility Puppy is a good replacement.
Here is an old post on that subject. Search the
archives and you will find many others.
Hi All,
The subject of Bilge Pumps is one we have not visited
in a while. Since there are many new members on the
list, it is a subject worth mentioning again.
It is generally agreed that the stock bilge pumps are
best used as anchors. Anyone who has only the stock
type bilge pump in their Amphi is just a swim away
from disaster. (I still have nightmares about my very
first Amphi Voyage where I came all too close to
learning how bad the stock pump is). Having a second
bilge pump in your Amphi ranks right up there with
stopping your wheels completely before engaging the
water tranny.
The original syle replacement pumps should only be
used as an "original looking" backup at best. Should
you run these dry, or forget to turn them off, they
will quickly self destruct. Recently, someone noted
that a bad batch of the repro units tend to draw too
much current and will blow any fuse. I likely have
one of these, as even when directly wired up with a
new HD switch, it will easily pop a 25 amp fuse.
Anyway, IMHO your primary pump should really be a Rule
2000 GPH unit with a float switch (or just get a self
contained automatic unit). (You can also save $5 by
purchasing an plastic impeller Atwood at Walmart).
Check out
http://www.yachtsurvey.com/bilge_pumps.htm
for everything you ever wanted to know about bilge
pumps but were afraid to ask. Note the suggestion
that the submersible pump should be direct wired
WITHOUT a fuse.
The only down side to submersibles is that they will
tend to leave an inch or more of water floating in
your bilge. Here is where that original impeller
style pump would come in handy. Alas, I have found a
solution.
Recently I installed a "Jabsco Utility Puppy 2000"
Flexible Impeller Pump in place of the original. It
fit in the same spot and, even when connected to the
original bilge switch, is not popping fuses. Another
extremely nice feature of this pump is that it will
run dry for up to 20 minutes without burning up.
The Jabsco is a bit expensive, but not much more that
the reproduction units. You may find them at your
local boating supply store or order one from
"Performance Yacht Systems" for $205 at the following
link. (No association, I just know they carry them.
Do share info if you find a better price.).
http://pyacht.iserver.net/cgi-local/...cstore+cp\
xd2945ff7bcc7b+pr+jab239209403.html
I did consider a diagphram pump (OK I can hear
Amphipoda's posting about Amphi birth control coming
already!). The advantage to these is that they will
fit in place of the original and can run dry for
extended periods. The down side is that they require
a fine mesh in-line filter screen which means they can
easily be blocked up by a bit of bilge crud. The
flexible impeller pump can handle debris. Since you
will only use this pump in an emergency, or to get
that last bit of water out, there is no point losing
the ship to a 35 year old paint chip.
For tips on hooking up that second bilge pump to your
Amphi see Bill's old web site at
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/8389/autosploodge.html
Cheers,
Mike Israel
65 Amphi (white)
Amphicar Digest Admin
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