bilge pump not turning off

I

ibew1933

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Oct 7, 2007
Messages
31
2010 Suthwinds 212. the bilge pump not turning off after coming on in the auto setting. I'm confused because the switch on the dash is phyiscally moving to on . Not sure where to start troubleshotting this.
 
Augoose

Augoose

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Mar 21, 2010
Messages
1,220
Re: bilge pump not turning off

Not sure I understand your issue. How is your dash switch set up? Mine for example works in the following manner- when the dash switch is in the "off" position, the float switch controls whether the bilge comes on or not.
When the dash switch is "on" then the bilge is always "on" no matter what position the float switch is in.

So when you say the switch on the dash is "moving to on" and the bilge pump is on as well, that seems like a normal situation to me.
Can you give more details as to what is happening? I'm sure you know but you don't want to run the bilge w/out water as you will quickly over heat the pump!
 
I

ibew1933

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Oct 7, 2007
Messages
31
Re: bilge pump not turning off

My setup is the same as yours. I've turned the switch to off three times in the last three days. I agree the pump will burnout. Yes it sounds crazy but the switch is coming on by itself after the float turns the pump on. only had this boat two months and have not ruled out a ghost!
 
spoilsofwar

spoilsofwar

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jun 29, 2011
Messages
1,124
Re: bilge pump not turning off

So, to clarify, the switch (a rocker switch) physically flips itself from "auto" to "on" whenever the float switch turns on the pump? And, thus, the pump continues to run?

I have never heard of such a thing, and a ghost might be my first guess too...
 
I

ibew1933

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Oct 7, 2007
Messages
31
Re: bilge pump not turning off

This is true, wife says use a shim under the rocker switch.
 
Augoose

Augoose

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Mar 21, 2010
Messages
1,220
Re: bilge pump not turning off

ibew1933 said:
This is true, wife says use a shim under the rocker switch.
Click to expand...

I'm sorry but that just doesn't make sense. You're saying the switch is physically moving from off to on when the float comes on? Something isn't right....
I suppose replace the switch. I don''t know what you'd be trying to accomplish with a shim beneath the rocker either. Possibly the switch took a heavy load at some point and lost its rocker ability...
 
I

ibew1933

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Oct 7, 2007
Messages
31
Re: bilge pump not turning off

I agree, Something isn't right.... replacing switch was my first thought, wasn'i sure if a surge short or load could weaken it.
 
G

generator12

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 9, 2010
Messages
666
Re: bilge pump not turning off

A "manual" switch is just that: MANUAL. If it's changing position without manual intervention, replace it. There is no rationale for such a switch moving on its own due to a characteristic of its load. I've worked with electricity for almost sixty years and never seen/heard of it.
 
U

UncleWillie

Captain
Joined
Oct 18, 2011
Messages
3,995
Re: bilge pump not turning off

If the switch does not toggle to ON at the touch of a feather or a good bump to the panel....
Does the admiral have a nutty sense of humor?
Can you rule out the kids and your neighbors?
 
M

Maclin

Admiral
Joined
May 27, 2007
Messages
6,761
Re: bilge pump not turning off

Does the switch behave correctly, meaning a positive click when pushed into either position? Maybe the switch internals are broken.
 
U

UncleWillie

Captain
Joined
Oct 18, 2011
Messages
3,995
Re: bilge pump not turning off

ibew1933 said:
My setup is the same as yours. I've turned the switch to off three times in the last three days. I agree the pump will burnout. Yes it sounds crazy but the switch is coming on by itself after the float turns the pump on. only had this boat two months and have not ruled out a ghost!
Click to expand...

Unless it has been raining for the last three days; Is there a logical reason that the pump should be pumping water out of the boat at all? :eek:

If the "Water Ghost" is the actual cause, add enough water to the bilge, or push the manual lever on the float switch to start the pump and see if the panel switch toggles to ON by itself when you are watching. :confused:

To rule out Sabotage, tape a paper cup over the switch and make careful note of the position of the tape and the cup.
If the switch comes ON and the Taped Cup shows tamper marks, your Ghost is not metaphysical. :D
 
I

ibew1933

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Oct 7, 2007
Messages
31
Re: bilge pump not turning off

live in Fl and yes it rains every afternoon in the summertime, but not yet today. going to get a new switch but will try useing the hose while in the boat for curosity. thanks all ed
 
CC245

CC245

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 8, 2010
Messages
194
Re: bilge pump not turning off

Check to see if you have anything caught in the pump. This can cause the auto switch to keep turning on, if the switch is stuck open.
 
U

UncleWillie

Captain
Joined
Oct 18, 2011
Messages
3,995
Re: bilge pump not turning off

CC245 said:
... This can cause the auto switch to keep turning on...
Click to expand...

It is NOT the Auto Switch in the bilge.
His complaint is the MANUAL Switch on the Dash that magically turns itself on!:D :eek:



IBEW,
You never specifically stated where the boat spends the night.
We are assuming in the water in a marina slip and without a cover over it. Is this correct?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top