Help--Livewell Pump Keeps Failing/Electrical Issue?

John21:6 · Post by **John21:6** » June 2nd, 2026, 1:30 pm

I've replaced the livewell pump on my boat multiple times. Recently, I was about replace the pump again, but it turned out that there was something wrong with the Deutsch plugs that connect the pump to power. One of the prongs in the mail plug broke off into the female plug and there was black stuff from heat at the connection. I replaced both plugs and used heat shrink connections on all wires. The pump started working again. On the next trip, however, the pump failed after a few hours of use.

Do I have some kind of electrical problem, and if yes, how might I diagnose and resolve it?

edif · Post by **edif** » June 3rd, 2026, 8:17 am

salt water environment is murder on wiring get a VOM (volt ohm meter) and check continuity make sure you dont have a high open and dielectric grease on all connections helps greatly. It kinda sounds like it might be starving for voltage....good start

Post by **dombern34** » June 3rd, 2026, 8:22 am

If your boat has a busbar, double-check it and ensure all ground connections are secure. Also, inspect for any loose ground wires that could be causing the issue

John21:6 · Post by **John21:6** » June 3rd, 2026, 1:59 pm

edif wrote: June 3rd, 2026, 8:17 am salt water environment is murder on wiring get a VOM (volt ohm meter) and check continuity make sure you dont have a high open and dielectric grease on all connections helps greatly. It kinda sounds like it might be starving for voltage....good start

I am grateful for the tip. I am just about to watch a youtube video on how to check for continuity with a multimeter.

John21:6 · Post by **John21:6** » June 3rd, 2026, 2:00 pm

dombern34 wrote: June 3rd, 2026, 8:22 am If your boat has a busbar, double-check it and ensure all ground connections are secure. Also, inspect for any loose ground wires that could be causing the issue

I think my boat has a busbar. I'll check it carefully. Thank you for the tip.

John21:6 · Post by **John21:6** » June 4th, 2026, 7:25 pm

Well, I thought addressing the livewell pump would be complicated. Fortunately, I got lucky. I removed the pump from its housing and saw that it was clogged by a little bit of braided fishing line. I cleared away the braid, reset the breaker, and all was well. I also put a little dielectric grease in the Deutsch connection.

edif · Post by **edif** » Yesterday, 9:06 am

Sometimes its great to be Lucky glad it was a simple fix.....Tight Lines...!!!

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