Need some help...... Bilge pumps

[tcfishing]

Just bought a new 2005 Corsair Foiler Catamaran fishing boat.
It came with 2 bilge pumps. The problem is: There is only one switch and it's either Auto or Manual. When it's on auto if one pump turns on so does the other. It came with Rule 500's can you believe that. One impeller has already burned out. I'm going to put bigger pumps in but want them to turn on separate from one another. Do I need to put in another switch? Or can I use the one I have and make it work?
Any idea's would help?

Thanks

Tom

 

[BAYLINER185]

Re: Need some help...... Bilge pumps

My bayliner 2755 has the same sort of thing. When the switch is ON they arebasicly in auto mode as each pump has its own float switch so individually each on can run on its own but when you use the bildge switch on the help and tuen on the bildge pump both will run.

I think thats what you would want to do. Put one float switch in line with each pump supplied wwith constant power. When water floats that switch the pump will run( only the pump with floatign switch will run not both unless both switches float ). But when you throw the helm switch for the bildge pump both will run.

 

[tcfishing]

Re: Need some help...... Bilge pumps

They both have float switches . It's just that if one goes on so does the other. That's what I want to change.

Tom

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Need some help...... Bilge pumps

Are they separately plumbed? If they share plumbing to the through hull fitting, they need to run at the same time to prevent backflow. At least I would think so. Maybe they're check valves in the system somewhere though.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Need some help...... Bilge pumps

it depends on if you have the 2 wire pump or 3 wire pump.

2 wire is a manual pump, and to make it automatic, you have to add a separate float switch, but you can have a power switch, but you are depending on the float switch to operate the pump.

3 wire pump,is a manual/auto pump. has built in float switch, with a constant hot feed, which when activated by high water, it automatically comes on, the 3rd wire goes to the switch on the console, so you can manually turn the pump on.

each pump for safety reasons, should have their own, separate power source, switch, plumbing and thru hull fittings.

 

[tcfishing]

Re: Need some help...... Bilge pumps

They both are a 3 wire pump. The problem is when it goes on the other pump goes on too. That's when they are on automatic. I expect them both to go on when on manual.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Need some help...... Bilge pumps

it being a cat boat are they in the bilge of different hulls. i fell strongly about them being totally independent.

 

[old-gubbins]

Re: Need some help...... Bilge pumps

Hi TC

You need a second switch because, as the pumps are wired in parallel for the manual/over-ride, when one float switches on, the wire to the pump goes live, this then back feeds along the manual/over-ride wire to the other pump. Remember, the manual/over-ride wires are connected together on the back of the manual/over-ride switch.

btw, I agree with Tash and DR

Hope this helps

o-g

 

[tcfishing]

Re: Need some help...... Bilge pumps

Thanks for the help...
I agree.. I have a pump in each hull. I only wanted the one that had water in it to switch on. One has burned out already from running dry..
Just didn't know if I could modify the switch I had to do it or not?

Thanks again..

Tom

 

[Boatist]

Re: Need some help...... Bilge pumps

Two switches would be ideal so when you want to run one in manual you can. That would be my choice.

In auto mode with each having it own float switch should be able to wire from the switch to the input on both float switches then to each pump. Each pump needs it own ground to the engine block or battery.

At that point if each comes on when you lift it own float switch you are good.
If both come on when lift either float switch then I would disconnect the manual wire. If that solves the problem and they both only come on when it own float switch is lifted then to correct the problem you would need to install a diode in each of the manual wires and then you should be good.
I have never herd of this problem before.

Also if your replaceing pumps may want to get a pump that can run dry with out damage.