Jabsco Water Puppy

[Stuart 28-2]

This is an impeller pump. Model 18660-0123. It is installed on my boat as the bilge pump.
When I bought the boat a few months ago it was tripping the breaker within a few seconds of turning it on. I eventually found the cause to be the cover plate was jamming on the impeller causing it to struggle to rotate and even stall. There's not a lot there that could cause this.
The o-ring width looked way too small for the o-ring groove. That would cause it. So, I found and bought a larger o-ring and installed it. Problem solved, no more breaker trips. Bucket test off boat shows it pumping water just fine. I did not check flow rate but I'm going to asap.
Anyone know anything about this, heard of it before with this pump?

 

[Frank Langer]

My bilge pump also blew fuses, so I phoned Jabsco for advice. Their tech rep said that the impeller can expand slightly over time, making it a tight fit. He suggested sanding the face a bit so it didn't run so tight against the cover.
By using a larger O-ring I think you achieved the same result.
The rep also suggested activating the pump regularly to prevent the impeller developing a set, but for just a second to avoid the impeller getting hot, which can ruin it.
Frank