Bilge Pump running constantly could it be the float switch?

[jcintheville]

Last couple times I was out, last fall, the bilge ran constantly. I thought it was the panel rocker switch, so this weekend I changed it. That did not solve the problem. The panel switch seems to be wired correctly but it just continues to blow the fuse at the panel box. The only way to shut off the bilge is turn off the battery. When I looked at the bilge I noticed the float switch had come loose from the harnass and was laying on its side next to the bilge.

Could the float switch be bad and would that cause the bilge to be stuck on? I just read a couple threads about a fuse in the battery feed. If I disconnect the fuse that should shut off the float. Am I looking in the right direction? Or do I still have a rocker switch problem?

Boy, boat wiring is a world of its own. jcintheville.

 

[sasto]

Re: Bilge Pump running constantly could it be the float switch?

Everything appears to be ok except the float switch needs to be remounted....bottom side down.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Bilge Pump running constantly could it be the float switch?

When I looked at the bilge I noticed the float switch had come loose from the harnass and was laying on its side next to the bilge.

Ayuh,... I'd say that's probably the Problem.....

 

[NYBo]

Re: Bilge Pump running constantly could it be the float switch?

The panel switch seems to be wired correctly but it just continues to blow the fuse at the panel box. The only way to shut off the bilge is turn off the battery.

If the switch was wired correctly it wouldn't keep blowing fuses. So that is problem #2.

 

[jcintheville]

Re: Bilge Pump running constantly could it be the float switch?

If the switch was wired correctly it wouldn't keep blowing fuses. So that is problem #2.

I am going to disconnect the float fuse and see if the bilge stops. if so I know it is the float. I have another rocker switch which I will try. Possibly I damaged the first one by wiring the terminals incorrectly. If that does not fix it I'll be back. Thanks jcintheville

 

[1980Galaxy]

Re: Bilge Pump running constantly could it be the float switch?

I am going to disconnect the float fuse and see if the bilge stops. if so I know it is the float. I have another rocker switch which I will try. Possibly I damaged the first one by wiring the terminals incorrectly. If that does not fix it I'll be back. Thanks jcintheville

I think you are wasting your time with another switch... find out the correct way to wire it so you don't blow the fuse and work from there. I don't think your switch is bad but wiring up another one the wrong way isn't going to solve your problem.

 

[jcintheville]

Re: Bilge Pump running constantly could it be the float switch?

Thanks for all the advice. Turns out the float switch was shorting out and causing the fuse to pop. Put in a new float and everything works great. jcintheville