Jabsco Reversible Rotary Vane Diesel Transfer Pump, 12V, Bronze, 1/2 in NPT x 1 in Hose Barb, Ignition Protected

Overview

The Jabsco 18680-1000 is a 12V DC reversible rotary vane pump for transferring diesel fuel on board. It self-primes up to 3 ft (1 m), can work against discharge head up to 20 ft (6 m), and uses an integral on-off reversing switch when fuel needs to move from one tank to another. In the head-capacity range shown for this model, flow is about 5.2 US GPM at 5 ft of head, about 5.0 US GPM at 10 ft, and about 4.3 US GPM at 20 ft.

Connection options are flexible, with 1/2 in NPT internal pipe threads and a 1 in (25 mm) external hose barb at the pump ports. The pump body is bronze, the seal is nitrile, and the motor is a fully enclosed IP44 permanent-magnet unit with a stainless steel shaft. The motor and switch assembly also meet USCG 183.410 and ISO 8846 Marine ignition-protection requirements.

This pump suits diesel boats that need controlled transfer between port and starboard tanks or another low-head diesel transfer circuit. It should be mounted in a dry, ventilated space because the motor is not waterproof.

Key features

• 12V DC permanent-magnet motor with built-in reversing switch for forward and reverse fuel transfer
• Self-priming from dry up to 3 ft (1 m) with discharge head up to 20 ft (6 m)
• Bronze pump body, nitrile lip seal, and stainless steel shaft
• Ports accept either 1/2 in NPT internal threads or 1 in (25 mm) hose connections
• Pump head can be rotated in 90 degree increments to help with hose routing and mounting position
• Ignition-protected motor and switch assembly compliant with USCG 183.410 and ISO 8846 Marine
• Approximate current draw is 8A, with a 15A breaker or fuse specified for the circuit
• Intermittent-duty operation with a maximum continuous run time of 30 minutes

Installation and setup

Mount the unit where the motor stays dry and where air can circulate around it. The indexed pump head helps when space is tight and the hose run needs to leave the pump at a different angle. On the suction side, use hose with enough wall thickness to resist collapse and make sure all connections stay airtight so the pump can prime quickly.

For electrical connection, this model is intended for a dedicated 12V circuit with overcurrent protection sized at 15A. Multi-strand copper wire is specified, and longer cable runs need heavier wire to avoid voltage drop at the motor.

Compatibility and fit

This is a diesel transfer pump, not a general fuel pump for every liquid on board. It should not be used for gasoline or other liquids with a flash point below 100°F (37.8°C). For fit planning, the pump measures about 8-5/8 in long, 4-3/4 in wide, and 3-3/8 in high.

It is a good match for skippers who want a reversible 12V transfer pump to balance fuel between tanks or move diesel through a short onboard transfer line. On cruising and fishing boats, that usually means low-head transfer jobs where manual control and straightforward hose connections matter more than high-volume fueling speed.

Maintenance and use

This pump should not be run dry because the pumped liquid lubricates the rotor and vanes. Shut it off once flow stops, and do not run it against a closed outlet. Keeping the wiring clean and free from corrosion is also important, since low voltage at the motor can make starting harder and can blow the fuse.