Bilge Pump Question

[Angler276]

Hello All,
I am in the process of getting the boat ready for launch this weekend and I realized the flipper switch does not actuate the bilge pump when moved into the up position but the pump does actuate when the manual bilge pump switch on the console is put in the on position. So I know there is power to the pump and I am pretty sure that the switch is wired properly. My question is...Does there need to be a small amount of water at the base of the pump in order for the flipper to kick the pump on. thanks in advance --Chris, Rhode Island

 

[Boatist]

Re: Bilge Pump Question

If your talking about a float switch then when you raise it the pump should turn on. Some boat have a 3 position switch on the dash. Up manual on middle off and down automatic on when the float is raised.

If it is only a two position switch then check the float switch. One wire should go to the pump and the other wire to a 12 volt power source. Check for corroaded wires and connections or a blown fuse.

Bodega Bay weather 5-2-08 Rough but inproving, stay in port.
Winds NW 310 degrees true @ 27.2 knots with Gust to 31.1 Knots.
Seas 9.2 feet Every 11 seconds, Swell Steepness Average, Sea Temp 48.8 degrees F
http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=46013

 

[Angler276]

Re: Bilge Pump Question

Thanks boatist.Does anyone know if the pump needs to have a small amount of water at the base to make it actuate with the float switch?( like a safety so it wont run continuously if it gets stuck in the up position with no water down there) It works fine with the manual switch which is a 2 position switch by the way not 3.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Bilge Pump Question

It's not sensing the presense of water. It?s a mechanical switch that is gravity actuated when the water raises the float more than X.

If it?s not working either the float switch itself is bad, your in-line fuse is blown or you have a problem with your wiring.

The other day I noticed mine wasn?t working either so I need to look into it this weekend if I don?t fish.

 

[QC]

Re: Bilge Pump Question

No, it does not need any water, the float switch only needs to be raised for it to turn on. Without water it will eventually burn up, but it needs no water to actually turn on . . .