Bilge pump question..auto or not?

[Dyna]

Dont have a manual for my 84 Sea Sprite but I have a question regarding the bilge pump. It works fine when I turn it on but is it also supposed to have a sensor for automatic operation or do I simply leave it on all the time or perhaps turn it on every once in awhile when out on the river?<br /><br />Will it be harmed if I do leave it on even though no water may be present in the bilge?

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Bilge pump question..auto or not?

If it is an electronic auto matic pump,just leave it on all the time and it will check the bilge periodically in case of water intrusion when you are not there to turn it on .Charlie

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Bilge pump question..auto or not?

i'm guessing it is a manual pump. take a look at it if you can. is there a float lever next to it? can you raise the unit itself? if not, probably just a manual pump. don't leave it on. you only turn it on when you have enough water in the bilge for it to move it. i know, sounds crazy, but that's how some operate. boat shouldn't leak water anyway. just check the bilge when you first go out.<br /><br />if it is an auto pump, it will come on when activated by rising water. the switch at your helm is just an override that turns it on.

 

[Richard Petersen]

Re: Bilge pump question..auto or not?

If you can get the pump high enough to put a pot or bucket of water deep enough to cover the pump with the switch OFF. It will start in 15 seconds if it electronic inside. If it doesnt start. Buy a automatic water sensing pump. Rule, makes a neat one. Which is better? Dead battery and a wet floor board or, all the gear near the floor soaked? Bad or no covered boats need auto pumps.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Bilge pump question..auto or not?

Also check the wiring comming out of the pump. If you have one ground and two hot leads the pump is designed to start with the auto feature as described above ot via a manual switch somewhere.

 

[Richard Petersen]

Re: Bilge pump question..auto or not?

How many wire leads come out of the pump? 2 or 3? Is there any type of water float or sensor on the outside?

 

[Dyna]

Re: Bilge pump question..auto or not?

Havent had a chance to look at it, will take a peek tomorrow.