Bilge Hose Replacement Battle

[Loren Beach]

We installed the two vane pumps yesterday.

The diaphragm's on my Jabsco bilge pumps seem to last 20 years or more. What is the life expectancy for the vanes in your model? I change out the impeller in the raw water pump on our engine at least every other year, but I do not know how long it might last if ignored...

 

[Frank Langer]

The diaphragm's on my Jabsco bilge pumps seem to last 20 years or more. What is the life expectancy for the vanes in your model? I change out the impeller in the raw water pump on our engine at least every other year, but I do not know how long it might last if ignored...

One should not ignore a pump with an impeller. A few years ago I spoke with a Jabsco Rep who advised the following: 1) apply grease that doesn't degrade rubber when installing the impeller, 2) run the pump for a few seconds several times per month to avoid the impeller developing a set, 3) ensure the wires are the correct size to minimize voltage drop and are corrosion free.
I have followed that advice for many years, and have not had a problem with our pumps.
Frank

 

[Nick J]

Everything's a tradeoff. The limiting factor in my decision was physical space. Vane pumps are smaller and more affordable than diaphragm pumps. Yes they will probably require more maintenance, but I tried to make this easier by orienting them horizontally. This should provide adequate access while preventing any leak past the shaft seal from entering the motor. They are self priming like diaphragm pumps and should not be as susceptible to resistance on the outflow side as centrifugal pumps. The electrical side should be good with short runs (using a relay for the shower pump) and adequately sized wire. Of course this is all in theory until I've had a chance to live with the new setup.