Dumb Bilge pump question

[mcgyver210]

I have noticed something Im just not sure about with my bilge pump.

The dash has a ON / OFF switch which if I turn it on I can hear the bilge pump run continuously which makes me wonder if this is just a manual float bypass & normally it runs on float with no operator assistance.

I am assuming now the bilge pump is wired to run off float switch or no switch since the switch isn't a Auto & manual switch.

Is this a correct assumption?

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: Dumb Bilge pump question

Some pumps are manual, some are auto, sound like you have a manual one. Or do you have a float switch, Your question is worded a bit confusingly to me.

 

[mcgyver210]

Re: Dumb Bilge pump question

Some pumps are manual, some are auto, sound like you have a manual one. Or do you have a float switch, Your question is worded a bit confusingly to me.

It has float switch sorry about wording Im not that good at expressing my thoughts in text I have tried to clarify my thoughts above a little.

 

[rbh]

Re: Dumb Bilge pump question

Turn off the manual switch, grab a paddle or whatever and lift the foot/float on the bilge pump, does it come on????

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: Dumb Bilge pump question

It has float switch sorry about wording Im not that good at expressing my thoughts in text I have tried to clarify my thoughts above a little.

Its all good my friend I believe rbh has your answer

 

[mcgyver210]

Re: Dumb Bilge pump question

Thanks Guys I guess Im going to have to get to the float & manually lift it to be sure it works like I am thinking. Doesn't look like I can lift with a boat hook etc because in the pic I have it seems to be a recessed switch darn. Wait I can let the 16 yr old crawl under to lift it problem solved LOL ROFL LOL.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Dumb Bilge pump question

There's a better way to test it. Put the garbard plug in and start adding water to the bilge. Not only will it tell you that the float switch is working, but also that your bilge pump actually does move water and the output lines are clear. Pumps go bad and bugs build little homes in the drains. The switch you mentioned is a bypass and lets you turn the pump on manually if the float doesn't work as it should. There should be no way to actually turn the pump "off", aside from removing the battery.

 

[mcgyver210]

Re: Dumb Bilge pump question

I have done a little more research & found out it is an Attwood pump & switch (with a test knob). I also talked to the Ebbtide dealer & it is fully auto like I thought & others here agreed so now I definitely need to test water flow since I had the switch on running it dry a few times which could have damaged it possibly. I hope not though since it is not going to be a fun job to get to it for replacement.

 

[RIDEPATE]

Re: Dumb Bilge pump question

If it runs fairly quiet, it's probably o.k. If it has a sorta (let's see...) gravel in the pump/vibrating sound, the bushings in the motor are gone and I'd replace. And the only 'Dumb" question, is the one that's not asked!!!!!