How do i know the bilge pump is on automatic?

[Robertpel9]

I bought a 1995 Chris Craft Concept 18 how do i set the bilge to automatic. There is a switch on the dash that says bilge pump but i dont think turning it on is the answer.

To make sure the bilge pump worked i had him put water in the engine compartment with a hose at the dealer and it came on and pumped it out when it got to a certain level, i am not sure if the switch was turned on at that point or not/

Please advise
Robert

 

[DavidD]

Re: How do i know the bilge pump is on automatic?

On mine the switch is for manual use or to test it maybe.It is wired to the battery for automatic.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: How do i know the bilge pump is on automatic?

If you have a three position switch (Off-Manual-Auto) set it to manual, it should run whether or not there is water in the bilge. If you set it to automatic it won't run unless there is water in the bilge. That function works by a float switch wired directly to the battery.

 

[5150abf]

Re: How do i know the bilge pump is on automatic?

On mine there is a switch so you can turn it on or it comes on by itself through the float switch.

In essence Robert, you can't turn it off auto but you can turn it on manually unless it is wired like Silvertip said but from what you have said I think it is like mine and DaveD's so it is always automatic.

Good idea to periodicaly check to see if it is working, you should be able to hear it if you open the engine hatch or just put your ear on the hull and hit the switch.

 

[MaggieRose]

Re: How do i know the bilge pump is on automatic?

As long as your main power switch in in the "ON" position, the bilge pump will run when the float switch on the pump tells it to run. Fill the bilge with a garden hose to test the float switch and pump.

The switch on your dashboard let's you run the pump manually (this switch overides the float switch.

If you keep your boat on a moring or slip, BE SURE IT WORKS WITH THE FLOAT SWITCH!!!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: How do i know the bilge pump is on automatic?

you first have to make sure you have an automatic pump. some aren't. simplest way of testing is to put the plug in. turn on the water hose, put some water in the bilge.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: How do i know the bilge pump is on automatic?

Or just look for the third wire from the pump. Manual = two wires, Automatic = three.

 

[cbavier]

Re: How do i know the bilge pump is on automatic?

I don't think his pump is an Automatic or the switch would be a three way. It doesn't sound like it anyway.

 

[JUSTINTIME]

Re: How do i know the bilge pump is on automatic?

I don't think his pump is an Automatic or the switch would be a three way. It doesn't sound like it anyway.

not true!
some have auto float switchs so no need for 3 way switch

 

[Solittle]

Re: How do i know the bilge pump is on automatic?

If we assume that it is wired correctly it requires that you keep the battery connected for it to work. Some guys will disconnect the battery completely and leave the boat in the water for an extendid period - come back to a boat with a lot of water in it or worse.

 

[jennis9]

Re: How do i know the bilge pump is on automatic?

we just replaced a manual with an automatic. if you can reach ti - it should have a float test knob - its a "dial" that raises the float. reach in and turn the test knob. if your switch is in the automatic position, the pump will turn on and will stop when you release it. we had to take out motor housing off in order to reach the pump - but like I said we replaced it so we had to gte to the old one.