Replacing live well pumps

Anybody know how hard it is to replace the live well pumps in a ranger 375v.
Thanks!!

How old is it and what type/brand are they. Most likely all you need to do is replace the “cartridge” and unplug the old one and plug in the new one. Not very hard if accessible

puddlepounder wrote:

How old is it and what type/brand are they. Most likely all you need to do is replace the “cartridge” and unplug the old one and plug in the new one. Not very hard if accessible

b

The pumps are the originals that were put in the boat when it was assembled at Ranger. So I don’t know what kind they are. I’m using the boat this week and the pump for the front live well is not working. Fuse is good and pump does not even hum.
I will work on it when I am done fishing this week. The boat is a 1994 Ranger 375V. I was just trying to see how much of a job it will be to replace the pump. I probably would replace both pumps at the same time even though the rear pump is still working. What do you mean about replacing the Cartridge? I thought I would have to replace the entire pumps?
Thanks for any info anyone can provide.

rdgallo wrote:

What do you mean about replacing the Cartridge? I thought I would have to replace the entire pumps?
Thanks for any info anyone can provide.

Some pumps have a two piece design. One part (base) that very rarely breaks goes through the hull, the other part (cartridge) is the motor and impeller that mounts to the base by clips or screwed in.

They make for fairly quick and relatively painless replacement. Some guys even carry spare cartridges on board incase something happens while on the water.

You can also find bilge pumps in cartridge style as well. It’s amazing what kind of junk those things can suck up. I just replaced a non-cartridge bilge pump that had a 1″X1/2″X1/2″ rock on the intake side of the impeller. No idea how that got in there through the screens.

Look for a manufacturer and model number then Google to see if it has cartridges available

Thanks for the info, guys. When I am done with the present fishing trip, I will be teckling this job. Thanks again.

A call to ranger would confirm what style and brand replacement is needed. Most bilge pumps are located in the aft most access, or somewhere close to the starting battery. I would think that a 1994 model ranger would have the replaceable cartridge style pumps. Check the fuse for the pump just to make sure it as simple as that.

I will call Ranger today, but not too sure they will b much help. A couple months ago I needed help with info on the fuel level sender and couldn’t find anyone that knew anything about it. Just not the same Ranger since Bass Pro bought them.

While you’re in there changing the pump, check all hose clamps that connect the hose(es) with the pump for corrosion.

Marine hose clamps should always be stainless steel and if the application allows, all below waterline fittings (which includes the livewell intake/pump), meaning two hose clamps on each fitting.

Cheap automotive pot metal hose clamps are NOT suitable for marine applications, but unfortunately they are in common use both in OEM and by aftermarket, so while you’re doing the work you’re well served to upgrade.

Grouse

Good info, Grouse. I am waiting for Ranger to call back…they probably won’t so I will call them again.
Thanks

Just google Mayfair bilge pump or livewell pump and you’ll see what people are talking about for the cartridge. If it’s the cartridge type, you’ll have to lift a little tab that prevents the cartridge from turning and turn it counter clockwise about a 1/4 turn then pull straight out. Don’t this this while on the water as water will come rushing in once the cartridge is removed.

I’ve had problems with mine not working recently and I attribute that to leaving it running while I pulled it out of the water and trailered it home before I notice it. Sounds like you should replace the cartridge but if you’re in a pinch I’d do one of the following to try to get by.

1.) Remove the cartridge and spin the impeller by hand to break it free. It might just be stuck and that will free it up and maybe get you by for a while. It worked for me. Just tapping on the top of the cartridge also got it working for me one day until I could get a replacement cartridge.
2.) If the bilge pump is near by, and has the same housing size, you can remove the cartridge from the bilge pump and put it in the live well pump housing. Of course you’ll be without a bilge pump which could be a safety concern if water entering the boat is a problem. And obviously, you’ll now have to turn on the bilge pump to fill the live well.

Make sure the rubber O-ring is in place when you install the cartridge.

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Thanks, Boone. I finally talked to someone at Ranger and ordered replacement cartridges for all three pumps. I won’t put them in until I get back home from my Pepin trip. Thanks again for the info.

Thanks for the reminder! My pump blew a fuse a couple weeks ago and I forgot to take a look at it.

Since yours is a ’94, replacing a a good idea.

Mine, since it’s seldom used except if I hit the wrong switch just takes a little WD-40 and then some 3-1 oil to get it going again for a few more years. It’s a 2001.

Well, I got my pump cartridges from Ranger. Went to put them in to only find my boat has the Mayfair part number 23501 and 22101 non cartridge pumps. Now I will have to come up with something else. Looks like a relatively easy repair will turn into a major plumbing job. I called Ranger and they are now sending me Rule cartridge pumps. I am not sure I will keep them. I would like to go to the Johnson cartridge pumps. Attached are pics of the present pumps.

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