Livewell pump runs but it won't fill

C

Canada Joe

Member
Joined
Dec 9, 2022
Messages
14
Reaction score
1
Points
3
Age
70
Model
Gulfstream
Any suggestions on how to get this to work? The pump runs but there's no water going into the livewell.
 
Check if the remote thru-hull open/close lever ( if you have one) is in open position, it's probably closed so pump can't pump.
Chris
 
In addition to the check suggested , some livewells have a inlet valve in the livewell that regulates the water flow. It may look like a knob or a odd vent style fitting that can be turned
 
If the above two checks are ok pull the pump. It's probably a Rule pump that twists and pulls off. I have impellers break off the shaft.

Picture of pump would bee helpful.
 
Thank you all for your responses.
The valve lever is open when we try to run the pump. No joy.
I cannot see and second valve or knob. Any suggestions where I could look for one?
The pump itself is secured right behind the valve lever in the bilge area under the transom locker box. It doesn't look like a typical red and white Rule pump. It's about 5-6" high and appears to be grey/blue/green as I recall. I'll try to get a photo when I am next at the boat.
I did get the pump working when we pulled the boat to winterize it last Fall by having someone put a hose into the intake and then turning the pump on. That's the only time I've ever got water into the Livewell via the pump.
 
Thank you all for your responses.
The valve lever is open when we try to run the pump. No joy.
I cannot see and second valve or knob. Any suggestions where I could look for one?
The pump itself is secured right behind the valve lever in the bilge area under the transom locker box. It doesn't look like a typical red and white Rule pump. It's about 5-6" high and appears to be grey/blue/green as I recall. I'll try to get a photo when I am next at the boat.
I did get the pump working when we pulled the boat to winterize it last Fall by having someone put a hose into the intake and then turning the pump on. That's the only time I've ever got water into the Livewell via the pump.
 
Photo of the pump please...

Putting a hose in it doesn't prove anything except the hose works.

If you are telling us that water will come in from the hose attached to the thru hull then the thru hull and valve (if there is one) is are clear.

The pump is bad. Take it out and test it.
 
Last edited:
I’d try priming the pump from the bait well side by using your hose at the livewell water inlet.
 
Just change the pump! I had the same
issue. Grady uses Shurflo livewell pumps.
 
  • Like
Reactions: vocz
Agree. Change the Pump. If you didn’t disconnected the water lines and drained to winterize, it probably busted inside.
 
If the hose from the pump to the tank has a low sag in it, it will cause a plug to form. That puddle of water will cause the pump to have an air-lock after the boat is pulled out of the water. When the intake is put back underwater when the boat is launched the pump is running in air and cannot force the air past the puddle of water in the low spot. The hose must have an uphill angle all the way to the inlet fitting so it will drain fully. If someone has replaced the hose with a too-long piece, you may need to shorten it or use zip-ties to hold the proper slope. Those Shurflo pumps are very good long lasting pumps.
 
if you have the seacock open, does it fill while you are underway without the pump running? the high speed pickup should still fill it without the pump when underway. that would prove out everything but the pump. if it fills, you know its the pump. if it doesnt fill, you know its in the plumbing
 
vocz said:
Agree. Change the Pump. If you didn’t disconnected the water lines and drained to winterize, it probably busted inside.
Click to expand...
Aside from tho pump I have 2 other issues with live wells not pumping. Once we a sandbar and somebody switched the live well on and the hose got jammed with sand. second time an eel got in the pickup. Most times it either you seacock closed on the pump is gone which as stated os an easy swap out
 
You must log in or register to reply here.