Macerator Pump Short

[baja4me]

I'm new to this forum and having a problem with my macerator pump. My boat is a 1991 bayliner cierra and my head pump has been working properly. I tried to use it this morning and it shorted out the fuse. I bought the boat in May and have had no issues with it. The wiring looks proper, the engine compartment clean, etc.

I'm thinking it is a ground short issue, however, not sure where to start troubleshooting the problem.

If anyone has an idea as to what could be the problem or where to look, etc... that would be most welcome.

Thanks in advance.

[Tornadosailing]

Very likely the pump is jammed, and a motor that's unable to spin will blow the fuse. Check this first.

If that doesn't work, disconnect the positive lead to the motor. If it still blows the fuse, it's a wiring problem. If it doesn't blow the fuse, it's the motor.

[baja4me]

I'll try that. Thanks.

[ranger58sb]

Originally Posted by baja4me

I'm new to this forum and having a problem with my macerator pump. My boat is a 1991 bayliner cierra and my head pump has been working properly. I tried to use it this morning and it shorted out the fuse.

Is this a macerator that empties the holding tank overboard?

Or a macerator that's part of the toilet and directs waste to the holding tank (or Y valve and overboard) when flushing?

Or...?

-Chris

[baja4me]

It is a macerator pump that empties the holding tank overboard.

Sounds like the pump motor is jammed, however, not sure how to get the motor un-jammed. Any ideas?

I'm going to take another look at the macerator pump the next time I'm on my boat. I'll update this tread, after that.

I appreciate the response. Thanks

[NYSail]

On the bottom of the pump there in many cases is a slotted protruding piece...... stick a screw driver in and attempt to turn by hand and see if you break things up

[ranger58sb]

Originally Posted by NYSail

On the bottom of the pump there in many cases is a slotted protruding piece...... stick a screw driver in and attempt to turn by hand and see if you break things up

Originally Posted by baja4me

It is a macerator pump that empties the holding tank overboard.

Sounds like the pump motor is jammed, however, not sure how to get the motor un-jammed. Any ideas?

Yeah, sometimes those kinds of pumps just freeze up from non-use. Especially inland and even more so in no-discharge zones (is that one, where you are?) so the pump doesn't get any routine exercise.

The "axle" (?) of the pump sometimes has a slot in it for fitting a flat blade screwdriver. Turn that a few times, see if you can spin it manually, then try your switch again.

-Chris

[a64pilot]

They will seize up, there is even an electronically controlled one that will rotate the motor some on some schedule to prevent that.
I just try to remember to run mine for 1 sec every now and again.

https://www.defender.com/product.jsp?id=3848536

[baja4me]

Thanks to all for the great advice. I'll give those suggestions a go and update the post when done. I don't use it much and I'm in a no-discharge zone.

Thanks again.