Testing Bilge Pump

[kenjenmo]

On my Basstracker III, I have a bilge pump that it connected to a switch on the console, When I flip the switch, it lights up like it is supposed to but the bilge doesn't fire up. Can I disconnect the 2 wires that goe from the bilge and hotwire them to the battery and test it that way. There is no manual switch on the bilge that I can tell. Thanks.

 

[vipzach]

Re: Testing Bilge Pump

Maybe it only comes on automatically. Put the plug in the boat and turn on the water hose and see if it will cycle on. Or use a test light or meter and see if you have 12v at the pump, and yes you could connect the two wires to the batt. I would use the meter/light and check for power first though.

 

[jurgenscraft]

Re: Testing Bilge Pump

I tested my bilge pump by removing it from the hull and connecting it across a battery and it still would not work I then submursed the pump in water and it kicked in, so my pump is equiped with a float switch, I then discovered what the other connections were for. Manual start/ overide, I made the necessary connections and fitted a toggle switch and warning light on the instrument panel and all is working fine, For some unknown reason this pump was installed with only the float switch circuit opperational and the manual switch disconnected. I feel much beter now that both circuits are opperational.While the pump was on the bench I also did my own flow / pumping rate test.I took a 220 Lt (45 imp gal) drum full of water and started the pump I measured the time it took to empty the drum and I was then quite happy the pump was functioning ok.<br />Kind Regards .<br />William Wright

 

[Triton II]

Re: Testing Bilge Pump

My bilge pump also has a float switch but the manual switch only turns it off... you can't turn it on unless there's a fair bit of water. It's probably wired like that because it doesn't like running with nothing to pump? Dunno, for sure, but it seems logical, to me at least.