How to test a bilge pump?

[Gradywhite3535]

I have a rule auto bilge pump that worked 3 months ago and isn't working now, when I turn the switch the pump should turn on or does it have to be submerged in water?if i left the the switch on during the winter would that kill the battery or would it turn off?

 

[Gradywhite3535]

Re: How to test a bilge pump?

It's connected to the battery and switch

 

[Bondo]

Re: How to test a bilge pump?

I have a rule auto bilge pump that worked 3 months ago and isn't working now, when I turn the switch the pump should turn on or does it have to be submerged in water?if i left the the switch on during the winter would that kill the battery or would it turn off?

Ayuh,... It could have,...

What's the battery's voltage showin',..??

 

[saumon]

Re: How to test a bilge pump?

when I turn the switch the pump should turn on or does it have to be submerged in water?

It depends, is your switch a ON/OFF/AUTO or simply ON/OFF? If it's a ON/OFF/AUTO, it should work no matter what on ON and need to be submerged while on AUTO. If it simply was a ON/OFF then it need to be submerged to run on ON.

Best way to test is to dump a few gallons of water in the bilge.

 

[Outsider]

Re: How to test a bilge pump?

If you left the switch on over the winter, you likely: killed the battery (and now it's probably damaged), and killed the pump by running it dry for the life of the battery ... :faint2:

 

[saumon]

Re: How to test a bilge pump?

If you left the switch on over the winter, you likely: killed the battery (and now it's probably damaged), and killed the pump by running it dry for the life of the battery ... :faint2:

He said he have an auto pump, so unless he have an ON/OFF/AUTO switch that was left on the ON position, the pump wasn't running if there's no water in the bilge.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: How to test a bilge pump?

GW -

Does the battery work for other stuff on the boat???

If not, then work the battery issue.

If so, then do some additional checking of the bilge pump. The wiring may not be quite right, as I recall you had some wiring issues with your boat. Does it have a float switch? If so, turn the pump switch on at the helm and then lift up on the float switch so it goes to its 'on' position. Does the pump go on?

If all that fails, then start testing the leads to the bilge pump for voltage.

As mentioned, usually bilge pumps are directly connected to the battery and the switch at the helm provides an 'override', supplying voltage to the pump regardless of the float switch position.

 

[Gradywhite3535]

Re: How to test a bilge pump?

Yes there is still water in the hull and i have a on/off switch. Thd battery is still running good. There is no float switch.

 

[saumon]

Re: How to test a bilge pump?

Yes there is still water in the hull and i have a on/off switch. Thd battery is still running good. There is no float switch.

There's no float switch but you said it was an "auto" bilge pump so it's propably the kind with an internal sensor. Is there's enough water to trigger the pump, like 4-5 inches? If so, simply check the voltage in the wiring at the pump while the switch is at ON. If you got current and it's not working, then the pump is bad.

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: How to test a bilge pump?

If by "auto," you mean this style RULE INDUSTRIES Automatic 12V Bilge Pumps at West Marine which checks for water every few minutes, then by leaving it switched on, you likely killed the battery. Get rid of that pump and buy a "non-auto" bilge pump and rig it with a float switch. Of course, if you leave that one running continuously for three months, you'll get the same result.

 

[Gradywhite3535]

Re: How to test a bilge pump?

Yes saumon it has the sensor.i first disconnected the pump to examine it. I then usesd a test light at the end of the wire that the pump is on. and it lit up bright. It was a light test that has no batteries(i think that means theres continuity). So I re-connected the pump and it everytime i would connect the wires it sounded like the pump was clicking for a quick sec. Like it was trying to start up. I think it is shot but I'm new to boating and I'm not familiar. Is the test light the right thing to use? Any suggestions? Thanks guys

 

[saumon]

Re: How to test a bilge pump?

Yes, if the the test light lit, you've got current at the pump, so it's shot. Replace pump.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: How to test a bilge pump?

You examined the pump....
Does that mean that you opened it up to make sure the impeller was able to turn freely.
A common failure mode for bilge pumps is debris in the impeller.
A jambed impeller will not pump water but it will Not damage the pump motor.

Just another reason to keep you bilge clean. No Dirt, No twigs, No leaves, No Dog Hair, CLEAN!

 

[tpenfield]

Re: How to test a bilge pump?

Yea, I usually make things with electric motors prove beyond any doubt that they are dead and gone. So, you may want to see if there is debris in the impeller that is binding things up and giving you that 'clicking' noise when you apply power.

I recently 'fixed' my shower bilge pump that way. . . we shall see how long it lasts. :noidea:

 

[64osby]

Re: How to test a bilge pump?

Take the bottom off and pull off the impeller. Then try the motor again. I fixed one last year, the impeller was hanging up.

 

[Gradywhite3535]

Re: How to test a bilge pump?

Thanks guys, I'm gonna mess with the impeller today