Jabsco Waterpuppy - Troubleshooting FYI
I've had a Jabsco Waterpuppy as my 'manual' bilge pump for (5) years now. Sure it's overkill, but hey, it was my resto !
So, a little FYI: it didn't turn on this year. Checked electric - all OK, removed bronze plate covering impeller - impeller perfect. With the plate off, she ran great. Put the plate back on, tightened her up - didn't work. Loosened the (3) plate screws a tad, she worked, loosened them a bit more, worked better?! As soon as I tightened the screws home ( where they belong ), the motor stopped.
With screws loose, all worked fine even when water running through - no leaks. Thought about leaving it that way, but I knew something wasn't right. Called Jabsco in Gloucester, Mass. Explained it to them, they said right away, " the impeller expanded from winterization ". I totally doubted this. I thought it was impossible for solid rubber to do that. Bought a replacement impeller, drove the plate screws home and all works perfect.
A few lessons:
- Jabsco guys said it is better to run impeller pump dry at season end ( no water or antifreeze ), or remove impeller for season. Diaphram pumps you can use antifreeze or run dry.
- Don't doubt the pros ( I would have bet $100 the guy was wrong ! )
- Even a perfect looking impeller can be shot ( I mean perfect - it did not look at all like it would rub against the face plate, but obviously that is what was happening )
Hope this helps someone down the road.
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