1996 Speedster - am I good without a working bilge pump

[Mikulus]

The bilge pump on my 96 Speedster is not working. Replaced it but still not working. There is no voltage to the wire ends. The guy I bought the boat from a few months ago told me he never needed the bilge pump because the water would rush out on acceleration anyway. However, there is loud alarm that sounds when I've been out on the water for about 20 minutes. Could that be tied to too much water in the bilge? Do I really need the bilge pump in the Speedster?

 

[racerxxx]

There is no water level alarm. It's either a low fuel alarm, low oil, or overheat.


If you have that much water you need to figure out why and fix it. I'm lucky if I get a cup cups worth of water from my bilge. They're gotta be a fuse somewhere.

 

[Mikulus]

Fuel is full and there is plenty of oil. Gotta be overheat then. What are you saying would be overheating? I've been plugging the two flush out drain holes. With those plugged, could that be causing an overheat?

 

[racerxxx]

Yep, that'll do it. The water is pushed in from the impeller, they the pump housing, thru the engine and it the drain line which should be the right side hose if you're looking at the back of the engine.

 

[Mikulus]

Oooooh damn. So with the flush out holes plugged, hot water can't get out and it overheats everything in the engine compartment?

 

[racerxxx]

Yes sir, the water just passed thru the entire system always supplying cool water. The only plug you put in is the one in the hull so your boat doesn't sink.

 

[POPPS]

After you remove the plugs,,run water thru the motor from the fitting at the top of your hull,,,check that the pissers are working,,,and not plugged,.the pissers are usually located just above the swim platform.,,and indicate that your cooling system is working.

 

[FlyboyX]

I wouldn’t put my boat on the water with no bilge pump. You will have no backup. This is akin to having no fire extinguisher.

Do you have a voltmeter? If so, do you know how to use it? Should be an easy fix. Your replacement pump: is it oem, or a cheapie from China? If the latter, I would put the original back in for sure.

 

[Mikulus]

I have a voltmeter. The original pump wasn't working either. I know how to use a voltmeter, but not sure where to put the ground/black lead on the boat. There's no frame like on a car. Help?

 

[racerxxx]

Just go right to your negative battery post

 

[Mikulus]

Found the 3A fuse location for the pump. Put in a fuse and pump works.

 

[POPPS]

It should come on automatically, or manually from the helm.