Bilge pump wont shut off in auto.

This topic has 9 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 18 years, 2 months ago by BluePantera.

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April 15, 2008 at 2:04 am #362122

BluePantera
Participant

Occasionally my bilge pump will not shut off in auto mode after a few hours fishing. I suspect the float switch needs replacing. I was just wondering if there would be any advantage to eliminating the float switch assy. by installing an automatic pump with no mercury switch. Any feedback would be appreciated. Rick T

April 15, 2008 at 2:27 am #362125

JEH in La
Participant

Im sure that you did a “visual inspection” of the switch before assuming that it is bad. Frequently there is something that has floated under the switch and has it lodged up into the run position. That is probably the most likely scenario. Give it a good inspection for something like that and if that is not the cause then put your auto switch on and then play with the float mechanism moving it up and down. It should be easy to troubleshoot and either eliminate the switch as being bad or prove it to be bad. Good luck with your efforts.Everyone should believe in something. I believe Ill just go fishing!

April 15, 2008 at 2:29 am #362130

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

I dont think your automatic bilge pump has a mercury switch. It has a float and it is probably sticking. The disadvantage to not having an automatic bilge pump is if you take on a lot of water at one time it will automatically start pumping or if it comes a downpour and you dont remember to turn on the bilge.

April 15, 2008 at 2:30 am #362131

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

That would be the issue. Either a faulty float or more likely something is lodged under the bilge switch auto float.

April 15, 2008 at 2:50 am #362134

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

When inspecting the float it didnt appear anything was lodged under it. I am just going to assume the float is defective and replace it. I have seen auto pumps that work without a float mechanism. Thats what I meant by replacing the existing pumps with. Thanks again. Rick T

April 15, 2008 at 3:14 am #362137

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

That same float switch has been used by us for 2 decades (20 years) and the success rate has been stupendous in comparison. The floats are much less than a new pump. The system is set up to use a float and we would just check it and replace that part. How old is this float?

April 15, 2008 at 12:09 pm #362141

topwater
Participant

I would advise to do a manual inspection of the float switch path, you may find that a hose has saged over time and when the switch is in the up posistion it is rubbing on the hose ever so lightly when bounced or just it weight after awhile it will fall back down. I would be very surprised that the switch is bad more then likely it is being held up after the water pushed it up and then was pumped away.

April 15, 2008 at 12:50 pm #362144

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

The float is is on an 01 Classic. Later today I will reinspect the area to make sure there is nothing that may come in contact with the float which may prevent the float from falling back down. Thanks for the advice and help. Rick T

April 15, 2008 at 3:54 pm #362146

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

On a 2001, now approaching 7-8 years of age, we think a float could be in default. BCB

April 15, 2008 at 7:27 pm #362152

BluePantera
Participant

Replaced the float swithch and will see the next time out if that sloved the problem. I suspect that it will and was an easy fix. I do have a question on the auto function on the bilge pump. What is the funtion of the auto on position for the bilge pump. Its my understanding the power to the float is always hot to activate the bilge even when the main power is off. If thats the case am I correct that the pump is always in auto mode and I do not have to put the switch in auto mode. Thanks again. Rick T
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