Automatic Bilge Pump Question

[lenny2113]

My bilge pump always worked fine, but now it started playing tricks. <br />I works when I flip it upside down (float switch activates). But does not work from the control switch on the dash board. <br /><br />I have 3 wires running to the pump. I checked all 3 wires with a light tester. Two of the wires are negative and one positive. <br /><br />Is this the way it should be?<br />Any idea why it's not working from the manual switch?<br /><br />Thanks

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Automatic Bilge Pump Question

if you have an ohm meter you might want to check the switch. The switch may not be closing when you toggle it. If the switch is only going to the pump and you do not have an ohm meter you can try shorting the two wires going to the switch. If this makes the pump come on then the switch is bad.

 

[lakeman1999]

Re: Automatic Bilge Pump Question

You have three wires, so you can hook it up direct on one, to work automatically as water trips the float switch, and the other wire is to hook up through a switch to make it work on demand. I will not name the company, but it is a well known, and the most common, their automatic bilge pumps are junk. I had one did the same as you describe, raised hell with mfgr, and they sent me a new one (no charge), in no time at all, the same thing happened, they are junk.

 

[mikecjn]

Re: Automatic Bilge Pump Question

lakeman1999,<br />I hope it isn't Rule because I just switched out 2 of my manual pumps with their automatics and put in the auto-manual toggles!! That would be my luck though.

 

[lenny2113]

Re: Automatic Bilge Pump Question

mikecjn,<br />It is Rule that lakeman is refering to. Mine is Rule too. <br />I will check the switch first. <br />Thanks eurolarva and lakeman for a good advise. <br />

 

[TopNotch]

Re: Automatic Bilge Pump Question

I have to say i have never had a problem with my rule float switch (knocking on wood). Its has got to be 10 years old.<br /><br />Is your float switch built into the pump or is it a seperate piece?<br /><br />*Note: It would be best to just have the it wired straight to the battery. Through the float switch, and to the pump. Less wiring, less switches, the less chances of things going wrong. If you wanna manually empty the little water that is in there, just lift the float up.

 

[lakeman1999]

Re: Automatic Bilge Pump Question

Hey guys, mine was an atwood 500 gallon per hour, with the float switch built in. I have not seen the rule, it may be ok. I might should have purchased a more expensive product, but when you purchase an item from a known manufacturer, you expect it to be a quality product, and if they cannot put out a quality product at the going price, they need to make it better and charge more. Like I said in a former post, a name on a product does not mean quality anymore, evidently modern day management does not care about maintaining itegrity, and quality in their products.

 

[mikecjn]

Re: Automatic Bilge Pump Question

lakeman1999,<br />I was hoping it was Atwood you were refering to. Thats the type of pumps I removed to replace with the Rule. I also had an Atwood blower fan that I had to replace with a Rule fan due to it malfunctioning.

 

[AndyL]

Re: Automatic Bilge Pump Question

It is a bit further down the line but if you get really serious and decide to have a look inside the float switch you will have to saw it apart. Inside is usually a mercury phial with two electrical connectors. I have had problems with Rule switches that have lead me down this path and have usually found that the wires have become rotted off the connections. They are not easily soldered back on but ensure if you manage it there is slack in the cable when re-assembling to allow the float full travel. To reseal the sawn float use plastic plumber pipe glue.and test for leaks afterwards. Probably cheaper to buy a new switch but when you have nothing to do on a rainy afternoon it can be gratifying even if unsuccessful.

 

[biloxiriver]

Re: Automatic Bilge Pump Question

All things being equal; if you haven't done anything different to the wiring, etc., it could simply be that the manual switch has a problem. Since the float switch activates the pump obviously you are getting power through the direct power wire. I would check my switch for corrosion, a bad connection, etc.

 

[MrBill]

Re: Automatic Bilge Pump Question

The three wires you described are: two positive and one negative. Neg to ground, positive (non float) to dash switch, other positive direct to positive. Check correct wiring on battery if in doubt.