Wash down pump voltage draw

[Unclematt]

Today after washing down the anchor I forgot to turn off the pump. My charging voltage was 11 volts so I thought great my alternator when south. After quite a while I noticed the switch was still on so I turned it off and bingo charging 14 volts. Do I have an issue or is that normal. Thanks for your help.

 

[Comodave]

Does the voltage go up and down as you turn it on and off? More than the one time. Your pump motor could be jambed and pulling the voltage down. I would turn it on and off several times and see if the voltage follows the switching. Then if it does maybe give the pump a rap with something and see if it frees up. This is predicated on the pump not pumping now.

 

[O C Diver]

My wash down pump draws 20 amps. Depending on what yours draws, I would expect the voltage to be around 14 when cruising unless you are maxing the alternator out with load. I would also reevaluate the washdown pump. With mine, when you close the spray nozzle, there is a pressure switch that immediately turns the pump off. From what you posted, I'm unclear whether water was flowing or the pump was dead heading against a closed valve.

Ted

 

[C lectric]

Turn it on again and listen to find out if it is running. Try it again and see if when using it the thing seems to put out previous volumn and pressure.


The other way would be to find a manual and specs for the pump motor and then measure the current it actually draws vs the spec. sheet.
Maybe that info is online.
Then you would need access to an ammeter to measure the current.

For future consider installing an LED pilot lgt, next to the switch or some place it will be seen so you know if it is armed.

To answer your last question would require the alternator output capability AND the pump draw. From the voltage it would appear the pump draws more current than the alternator is capable of producing OR you have some other sizeable draws which combined over reached the alternator output OR the pump has a problem which increased the draw way above the rated current draw..

 

[Unclematt]

The valve was closed with no water flowing when the voltage was at 11 as soon as I switched it off went back to 14. I will be back on the boat this morning and will check to see if it is still trying to pump with power on and valve closed. I will keep you guys posted. Thanks.

 

[wkearney99]

What make/model# pump?