This is a Strange One!

[Ruggybuggy]

OK, I removed my old bilge pump to install an automatic bilge. Confirmed that the new pump is working by jumping it to a battery, float and manual override works fine. Install the pump and put the switch to auto and the pump starts to run. Put the switch to off and it stops. Put the switch to manual and it runs as expected. So I assume that something is holding up the float on the pump. I remove the pump from its retainer leaving the wires connected. Pump looks fine. I turn the switch back to auto and the pump doesn't run in the upright position. Turn it upside down and the pump runs. I assume that the float must have been sticking so I decide to put it back in it's retainer. As soon as I start to get down to the retainer the pump starts to run. WTF. Then I realize that my livewell pump is within an inch of the bilge location. If I move the bilge close to the livewell pump it turns on. Move it away and it turns off. This is keeping the bilge in a upright position. What the heck is going on? This doesn't make any logical sense to me. Forgot to mention that the livewell pump is off and I even disconnected it from it's power source.

Help!

 

[frantically relaxing]

Re: This is a Strange One!

Maybe a little magnetism is coming into play?

 

[Ruggybuggy]

Re: This is a Strange One!

Maybe a little magnetism is coming into play?

Thanks for the fast reply. Please explain? Any solutions? I was thinking of rapping the pump in aluminum foil! Trying to get this done today so I can get the boat back in the water.

 

[Ruggybuggy]

Re: This is a Strange One!

Definitely magnetism. I took my magnetic retrieval tool and while the bilge pump is running in the automatic switch position, touched the pump and it stops. Take the magnet away and it runs. So what's a good solution?

 

[roscoe]

Re: This is a Strange One!

Well, sounds like you have one of the newer pumps with the electro-magnetic switches.

It is being effected by the surroundings, likely the magnets in the livewell pump motor.

Probably have to replace with a traditional bilge pump and float switch.




Bilge Pump Switches & Float Switches - iboats

 

[Ruggybuggy]

Re: This is a Strange One!

Well, sounds like you have one of the newer pumps with the electro-magnetic switches.

It is being effected by the surroundings, likely the magnets in the livewell pump motor.

Probably have to replace with a traditional bilge pump and float switch.




Bilge Pump Switches & Float Switches - iboats

Thanks for the info. I manage to get this one to work. It was tight but I reinstalled it a inch further away from the livewell pump and it works. So a word of warning to anyone installing a newer pump, have at least 2 inches of clearance from other pumps or the result could drive you to drink. Strange that the manufacturer does mention this in the installation instructions.