[palofmine]

My boat is a 2008 18' SuperHawk 4.3L I/O. Runs great and very happy with it overall, with the exception of the bilge pump.

First issue is that the bilge pump no longer kicks in automatically, requiring me to start it manually even when water level in the stern gets close to the top of the pump. To try and resolve I unscrewed the pump, shook it, but did not hear any rattle to indicate the float had become unstuck if indeed it is stuck and I should hear it if not stuck. Is there any further action I can take to get this automatic mode working? The pump works fine in manual mode with the exception of the next problem.

Vapor lock is a persistent problem with this pump. More times than not I need to slide the hose off the pump while the pump is running, but no water is flowing, in order to get the water flowing through the hose and out.

Is vapor lock caused by the pump itself, or just an intermitten problem caused when the pump tried to run and it takes in only air?

Any suggestions on how to correct would be most appreciated.

[rndn]

First off, Welcome to the iboats.com forum!!
It really sounds like you should replace the entire unit. You may also want to note that the float may be a seperate piece, just something to look out for. Bilge pumps are just one of the very important things that you don't want to try to get by. As long as the float is getting electricity then it's time to replace it, if it's not getting electricity, then it may be your dash switch.

[palofmine]

Thanks for the welcome RNDN.

On float issue, totally agree on the need to be more diligent on the float, pumps and everything not winterized by my mechanic, esp given the boat is stored in an unheated shed over the winter in Minnesota.

The original float is a Johnson Mayfair 3617. It is still under warranty so I will get another as a backup. If the dealership agrees exchange for credit for the Mayfair Ultima switch, since the Ultima is totally electronic, watertight, and as long as the "eyes" on it are kept clean should be more reliable and work better over time.

The issue with the pump running but no water being pumped seems to be an issue related to the output hose dipping down lower than the pump before rising to exit out the upper port side creating an air gap. Will get the hose changed to remove the dip and see if that fixes this issue.