Fuse question

[Nbraun_492]

So in the task of getting my bilge pump working before a trip to grand lake Oklahoma, I discovered a fuse issue.

'95 181 DC
Bilge switch: had a 15a
Nav lights had a 35a

Switched the fuses and the bilge kicks on with the 35a. Lights still work with the 15a.

Am I gonna burn up the bilge with the 35a?

What fuse should be in the bilge switch?

I am the 3rd owner and who knows what happened before I've got it. Wiring all look original.

Thanks.

[Tx Champ]

I'm gonna say that maybe some corrosion had built up on the fuse ends and you cleaned it a bit when you swapped them or there's a loose wire on the fuse holder. On a 95, the Bilge is fused at 10A and the Lights at 5.

[Nbraun_492]

Tha ks for the tip. I'll take a look

[Nbraun_492]

Hmm. Why would only work with a 35a fuse?

[Tx Champ]

Can't answer that. If both fuses are good, they ought to work. Are they the same length? On the Contender, the main power is 20A, so don't know why you have a 35A in the lights. Aerator is 4A, Bilge 10A & Lights 5A. Newer boats, all the pumps are 5A, so I'm guessing the 10 is for the optional 2nd bilge pump (auto float?).

[Nbraun_492]

Well I've tried 5a, 10a, 15a and the bilge will only work with the 35a. It dosnt pop the fuse it just dosnt work at all. So weird.

[Tx Champ]

Doesn't make sense at all. Has to be something with the fuse holder

[Nbraun_492]

That's what I'm thinking. Like the spring in the cap is bound up or somthing. But it's the same deal with a diffrent cap.
Can a person get a new fuse holder or is it a replace the whole switch panel situation?

[Tx Champ]

You can replace just the fuse holder. Post some pix of the front and under the console and I'll find you a replacement. Wish you were close, I could troubleshoot it in a couple of min.