Live well pump wiring loose

[badmoonrising]

Yes Ron. If you have 12 volt current going into a bilge (I guess there's water in it since the pump obviously Isn't running ?) that will cause electrolysis. The bilge is bare aluminum, so the circuit is trying to ground through the hull. Replace the wire and make sure no terminals are were they would normally be submerged. Preferably use heat shrink (tinned) connectors.

I see it a lot it aluminum v-hulls. I'd say it was the result of improper wiring and connections, but don't want to be labeled as a "bully".


Greg ??

[Ron Burgundy]

Here is an (old) photo of the wiring leading to the livewell pump so you guys can see what I'm talking about. It's an old photo that shows the green corrosion caused by the copper paint that some idiot used before I purchased the boat.

[badmoonrising]

Yep, a 12 volt leak will cause corrosion on aluminum just like having improper wiring in your slip would, but a lot slower. It should be noted that Greg claimed your paint wasn't copper. Just sayin' If you were able to see inside the bilge pump body and have access to the broken connection, I'd bet it's bubbling away.

[Ron Burgundy]

The pump hasn't worked for a while, but I'm not sure how long the wire has been loose.

I always turn off my Perko switch. Could 12v still leak out?

[Pammy]

I know an excellent welder (aluminum) here. Also we have an incredible epoxy that works great on aluminum(and under water). If you want to stop by, I could give you some.

[badmoonrising]

The pump hasn't worked for a while, but I'm not sure how long the wire has been loose.

I always turn off my Perko switch. Could 12v still leak out?

Not if the Perko switch cuts power to the pump.

[ronb]

How about moving the connections out of the water and doing some rewiring/replumbing? My pontoon doesn't have a fresh water tank or bilge on it, but it does have a foot wash station. The pump is mounted up by the fuel tank and there is a suction hose that runs down to a screened water inlet at the rear of the starboard pontoon tube, right next to depthfinder/temperature sensor.

-ron

[Ron Burgundy]

I know an excellent welder (aluminum) here. Also we have an incredible epoxy that works great on aluminum(and under water). If you want to stop by, I could give you some.

So far I don't think the hole has reappeard. This post's timeline got a little confusing because I was talking about a previous problem. The hole from last time has already been welded. Hopefully, I won't need your stuff, but if I do I'll give you a ring.

[Ron Burgundy]

How about moving the connections out of the water and doing some rewiring/replumbing? My pontoon doesn't have a fresh water tank or bilge on it, but it does have a foot wash station. The pump is mounted up by the fuel tank and there is a suction hose that runs down to a screened water inlet at the rear of the starboard pontoon tube, right next to depthfinder/temperature sensor.

-ron

That's not a bad idea. The pump gets all fouled up anyway from sitting in the water. I've practically given up on it. I just pour water into my livewell with a couple dips of a 5 gallon bucket.

[GregF]

Using or attempting to use the hull as a conductor can case electrolysis. That is all I have to say about that.

I also agree, anything you can keep out of the water is a good thing. Get a pump with the lift necessary to self prime from the deck.

If you only want water flowing when you are underway you can rig a pitot that will push water from the slipstream.

[BobG]

Also we have an incredible epoxy that works great on aluminum(and under water).

Hey Pammy, what kind of epoxy is that?

[GregF]

Also we have an incredible epoxy that works great on aluminum(and under water).

Hey Pammy, what kind of epoxy is that?

I imagine it is the 2 part paste they sell at a swimming pool store.

The problem is getting the parts clean and you have to be careful to squeeze all of the water out of the joint when you are packing it in. I have fixed a skimmer with it.
I have seen guys fix electrolysis pits with JB Weld or Marine Tex but it is only as good as how clean you got the metal.

[BobG]

I imagine it is the 2 part paste they sell at a swimming pool store.

Yeah, no shit sherlock. But I'm wondering about the actual specifics.

[Pammy]

It's industrial epoxy. Specifically made for extreme conditions. Heat. Under water. Extreme pressures.

[BobG]

It's industrial epoxy. Specifically made for extreme conditions. Heat. Under water. Extreme pressures.

Manufacturer and part number please?