converting from manually switched bilge pump to automatic

[sltintexas]

I have a bilge pump that you switch on an off- no automatic float. how do I convert to automatic. Would it be as easy as purchasing an pump/float combo (or two seperate units) and wiring it to the exisiting switch..and just leaving that switch on..or am I missing something?

 

[Fireman431]

Re: converting from manually switched bilge pump to automatic

Try this to see if it helps.

 

[rbh]

Re: converting from manually switched bilge pump to automatic

You may want to wire the float switch directly to the battery, set it up so it will come on automaticly or can be switched manually.

 

[Philster]

Re: converting from manually switched bilge pump to automatic

The idea is to have the pump/float wired to the battery and to a switch.

In the setup described, there are two ways to make the current flow to the pump. 1) the float rises and completes the circuit, powering the pump, or 2) your finger flips the switch and completes the circuit, powering the pump.

The floats aren't bullet proof, so you can always flip 'er on by hand with a switch if the float isn't holding up its end of the deal. But... when you ain't around, the float is better than nothing, and will generally prove reliable if setup properly and wired to a good battery.

 

[180Fisherman]

Re: converting from manually switched bilge pump to automatic

I have one the automatic pumps that does not have a float. It comes on for a second every few minutes to test for water. No worries about stuck floats with those. And no it will does not run my battery down.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: converting from manually switched bilge pump to automatic

I have a bilge pump that you switch on an off- no automatic float. how do I convert to automatic. Would it be as easy as purchasing an pump/float combo (or two seperate units) and wiring it to the exisiting switch..and just leaving that switch on..or am I missing something?

Your easiest solution is to get the seperate float switch...splice one end to the bilge pump positive wire coming from your current helm switch...send the second switch wire right to the positive battery post (with an inline fuse). The float switch that I purchased had a fuse holder already in the battery wire.

Now you don't have to be concerned about the position of the helm switch...if there is water, the switch closes and runs the pump. When the water drops, the switch opens and the pump stops. You can run the pump from the helm switch whenever you want....

Happy boating!

 

[Outsider]

Re: converting from manually switched bilge pump to automatic

I like Fireman's diagram for my trailered boat. It allows me to have both manual plus automatic operations, and it allows me to completely disconnect all electrical power on demand. If I slip overnight, then I leave the battery switch on and the bilge switch in auto. It's works for me for me ...

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: converting from manually switched bilge pump to automatic

I'm not real big on the combined units, but if you buy one, then keep the old one for a back-up. Just hook up the new one to the battery. You will need a seperate through-hull, though.
Get the type of float switch that's in a box so that something can't fall on it and cause it to fail (not float).
I'm not big on the ones that keep turning themselves on and off. In addition to battery issues, you're putting a lot of wear and tear on a cheap Chinese pump. They only have a life span of so many on/offs.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: converting from manually switched bilge pump to automatic

The only thing I would change in the diagram that I posted would be to remove the "OFF" portion of the switch. Put in a 2-position switch which should be "ON" or "AUTO".

When dealing with bilge pumps, there should be nothing left to chance and you shouldn't be able to kill the power to the thing. AUTO position is as good as OFF and it will work when it's supposed to.

Along with oil changes and other routine maintenance, checking bilge pumps should be a standing weekly check item. Some people write that their bilge pumps are corroded solid or the floats don't work because they're covered with leaves and mud. If saving your boat isn't worth 1 minute of your time, well...you probably shouldn't own one to begin with.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: converting from manually switched bilge pump to automatic

when checkingyour pumps be sure they are actually pumping. I had one, the shaft broke so it sounded like it was working but it wasn't.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: converting from manually switched bilge pump to automatic

Every time I washed my 21' Angler, I would remove the deck plate and the soapy water would flow into the bilge and get pumped out the discharge as well as flow out the transom hole.

1) Assures that the float switch and pump work
2) Assures that there are no clogs from mud-dobbers in the discharge line
3) Soapy water kept the bilge float and pump components clean
4) Allowed me to see if any oily substances were in the bilge since it pumped out onto my driveway

All in all an easy way to keep things operational.