HELP I AM SINKING sos sos

[Kuna Matata]

I am not sinking yet but might this summer... I am a new boat owner I have a 1998 Bayliner capri. Is the bilge pump on this boat a manual or automatic I flip the switch on and nothing happens, I want to make sure it works prior to hitting the lake.

This has a 3.0L mercuriser if this helps

 

[10thHawk]

Re: HELP I AM SINKING sos sos

I dont know your particular pump that you have however mine has a float switch on the pump, which turns it on when the water level comes up. If you are hitting the switch and getting nothing I'd suggest you check the pump.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: HELP I AM SINKING sos sos

Check the fuse, wiring, or replace the pump.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: HELP I AM SINKING sos sos

Are you sure it's not working - they don't make much noise when running. Take a close look at the pump, you should see a float switch if it has one. If not, check for voltage at the pump. If it has voltage, replace the pump. If not, look at the switch/fuse/breaker. If it's suspect, might be a good time to add a second pump.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: HELP I AM SINKING sos sos

it is essential that you understand your pump set-up and it is working properly. The best way is to replace the system yourself. I prefer a float switch independent of the pump. You want it rigged manual and auto (float) and powered directly from the battery.

 

[j_martin]

Re: HELP I AM SINKING sos sos

Pumps fail. Trash jams them. They are electric, and thus subject to burnout. They are cheap and apt to get submerged, thus subject to burnout. They are usually wired with crimp connectors (a bad idea) which often fail.

The latest pumps have a quick change motor and impeller cartridge. The bilge pump and both live well pumps in my boat all use the same cartridge, and I have a spare on the boat. I can clear any fault in a few minutes while on the water, which could be the difference between sinking or not, or dead fish or not.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: HELP I AM SINKING sos sos

The bilge pump and both live well pumps in my boat all use the same cartridge, and I have a spare on the boat. I can clear any fault in a few minutes while on the water.

Just curious (and this may give the originator of this thread an idea or two) - what kind of connectors do you use which will let you change out cartridges quickly and are waterproof?

I'll add that many bilge pump installations are set up so a switch can select either automatic operation (with a float) AND a manual position where the pump runs no matter what. It's not a difficult system to troubleshoot, if you're positive the pump isn't running checking to see if you've got voltage at the pump will help you decide where to look for the problem.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: HELP I AM SINKING sos sos

Look at the pump. If you see three wires on it it includes a float switch. Then look at the switch at the helm. If the pump has three wires the switch will be labeled MAN/OFF/AUTO. In the manual position the pump will run continuously. In the Auto position it will only run when there is enough water in the bilge to raise the float to turn on the pump. If the pump has two wires the switch will have only ON and OFF. In the ON position the pump will run continuously. Either way, you can test for power to the pump by setting the switch to ON or MANUAL. Check for voltage at the pump. Yes = pump is bad/stalled. No = check for power into the switch and out of the switch. Check the fuse and wiring to the pump.

 

[wingmastr23]

Re: HELP I AM SINKING sos sos

I have a 96' Capri - It has a manual pump - trace the wiring around near the transom - I'll look again tonight, but I am pretty sure there is an inline fuse, and it is near the transom. (I had the same problem at one point - I thought my pump was bad. It was the fuse.)

I am assuming you know where the bilge pump is (under the motor).

 

[WOJO 1]

Re: HELP I AM SINKING sos sos

When I had my Seaswirl I was wondering the same thing. I put the plug in put some water in the bilge with a hose. The pump started to work once the water was high enough. I knew it worked, problem solved.

 

[Bayliner1952]

Re: HELP I AM SINKING sos sos

I have a 96' Capri - It has a manual pump - trace the wiring around near the transom - I'll look again tonight, but I am pretty sure there is an inline fuse, and it is near the transom. (I had the same problem at one point - I thought my pump was bad. It was the fuse.)

I am assuming you know where the bilge pump is (under the motor).

If you end up taking out the pump take some photo's of the removal. I need to replace mine and I cant get it out for fear of breaking the mounting tabs.
And no, I don't just want to abandon the broken one and install another infront of it. We are boaters and we do things right..
Sorry for the rant.

 

[Kuna Matata]

Re: HELP I AM SINKING sos sos

Thanks for all your help I will take a look and get back on what I find.

 

[veritas honus]

Re: HELP I AM SINKING sos sos

Thanks for all your help I will take a look and get back on what I find.

Please post a few pics. It'll help us to help you.