Bilge pump squealing but not ejecting water

[1998233]

I have a 1997 233 which I am launching this weekend. I have had it 7 years with little to no problems. I needed to replace some gauges, redo some vinyl and clean up the engine compartment this spring in addition to all the normal summerization steps, hence my late launch. I decided to test the bilge before putting the boat in the marina this year. I usually dont do this. I added 4-5 gallons and nothing happened. I added some more water (2-3 gal) and eventually the pump came on via the float switch but it only made both a normal sound and a squealing sound but no water came out. I checked the outlet hose for blockage (both the outlet visually and by adding water into outlet port on side of boat). Got the same results when I flipped the manual bilge pump switch; both normal and squealing pump noise but no water coming out.

At this point i have removed the pump, float switch base plate assembly. I have the pump motor (mayfair 1000gph made in USA) out of the pump body.

My plan was to replace pump and switch, but when I test them manually they appear fine. I reconnected pump wires to battery and lift the float (rule super switch) the pump motor runs nice and smooth and quiet (while removed from pump body).

Now I am second guessing there was ever a problem. I dont want to replace a smooth spinning made in USA motor with the aftermarket replacement made in China if I dont need to.

Does anybody know why bilge will squeal but not pump out?

P.S. I have successfully poured water into boat via bilge pump outlet on outside starboard location. There is no check valve? There was no "junk" found blocking the pump base/basket.

[Big Block Power]

Put the pump in a bucket. No water come or replace it. Sqealing noise can be your wife or the bearings or the impeller. It sure sounds like you need a new wife or a new pump

[AsLan7]

.
Hey 1998233...so glad you found us!

That is a very simple system. Should not squeal at all. Bearings are sealed and prelubed. I've heard of pumps making noise if a blockage is found but if you are 100% sure all hoses are clear with no kinks then I'd replace the pump. That's too important to take any chances. Just make sure it's not your engine serpentine belt squealing.

Any pics?

Again welcome aboard mate!

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[baktasht]

are you sure you had enough water in the bilge to fully submerge the pump's inlet? If not, it was probably sucking in air and never primed enough to start moving water. Big Block Power's suggestion above is worth a shot since the pump is already out of the boat, should be an easy test with a 12v battery.

[1998233]

All testing was done on the trailer, on land, with the engine off. Turns out squealing sound was apparently due to pump sucking air as baktasht suggested as the pump works normal in bucket. I am going to leave as is and keep the old made in USA pump motor for now. I have the "new" made in China motor replacement on hand if I need it. If you dont hear from me in a day or two then you know not to try and test bilge on the trailer with just 5 or 6 gallons of water after a long winter.

[AsLan7]

All testing was done on the trailer, on land, with the engine off. Turns out squealing sound was apparently due to pump sucking air as baktasht suggested as the pump works normal in bucket. I am going to leave as is and keep the old made in USA pump motor for now. I have the "new" made in China motor replacement on hand if I need it. If you dont hear from me in a day or two then you know not to try and test bilge on the trailer with just 5 or 6 gallons of water after a long winter.

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Thanks for the follow up....all we ask for is a pic or two.

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[baktasht]

All testing was done on the trailer, on land, with the engine off. Turns out squealing sound was apparently due to pump sucking air as baktasht suggested as the pump works normal in bucket. I am going to leave as is and keep the old made in USA pump motor for now. I have the "new" made in China motor replacement on hand if I need it. If you dont hear from me in a day or two then you know not to try and test bilge on the trailer with just 5 or 6 gallons of water after a long winter.

Good luck my friend. Let us know how it goes!