Marine Pumps

[Nowhere-Man]

I was working on a Jabsco water pump today dated maybe 1971 and unwanted. I serviced diaphragm pumps before but this was the impeller type. Many weeks ago I found it didn't pump water and had just been given away. I took the impeller out and clearly the gasket was a gonner. I soaked the impeller. Today I did what I could and cleaned the brushes thoroughly. I suspect the shaft is too tight so I lubricated that. Finally there was significant improvement. However, the current draw was awesome. These pumps are not intended to be run dry. The impeller was not on when I tested so that was wise. Despite that the current was still high so the leads started to get hot. Left unattended the heat would have probably started a fire. I have heard windlasses often cause fires where there is too much voltage drop across motor cables. Anyway I will test it wet next time (I think the water slows the motor down and cools the motor).
With a new gasket it may possibly pump water in my GRP boat.