Automatic bilge pump, not being very automatic

[thedinz]

I have already ruled out the wiring and the fuse, its all correct. The only next thing i can think of is ti pull it out and see if the automatic feed is blocked with crap? But very much NOT easy to get to.

Any other suggestions? It works fine when i hit the switch manually and as i said its wired properly to turn on on its own, it just doesnt.

Its a rule 1000 i beleive but an older model, because of how hard it is to get to i went on ebay and found the same one bran new so that i could seat it inside the already mounted bracket, as they tend to change brackets on newer models. But it was all working properly when installed, over time the automatic feature just doesnt do its thing anymore, which is dangerous.

 

[Scott Danforth]

does it have the capacitive sensor, or a separate float switch?

if capacitive sensor, it wont kick on until there is 2-3" of water in the bilge. if its a float switch, it could be 4-5" before the switch comes on.

 

[thedinz]

does it have the capacitive sensor, or a separate float switch?

if capacitive sensor, it wont kick on until there is 2-3" of water in the bilge. if its a float switch, it could be 4-5" before the switch comes on.

i would assume its the capacitive one, no seperate float switch but its had more then enough water in there and not kicked on

 

[Scott Danforth]

Verify there are 3 wires going to the pump. One black (ground) one brown, and one brown with a stripe. Then verify the auto side has power

 

[nola mike]

Most (?) of the float switch types that I've seen allow you to manually lift the float by twisting the pivot, which lifts the float. Also, you may have carp trapped in the base keeping the float from floating. A float type pump can either have an integrated float or one separate from the pump.

 

[crazy charlie]

I have already ruled out the wiring and the fuse, its all correct. The only next thing i can think of is ti pull it out and see if the automatic feed is blocked with crap? But very much NOT easy to get to. Any other suggestions? It works fine when i hit the switch manually and as i said its wired properly to turn on on its own, it just doesnt. Its a rule 1000 i beleive but an older model, because of how hard it is to get to i went on ebay and found the same one bran new so that i could seat it inside the already mounted bracket, as they tend to change brackets on newer models. But it was all working properly when installed, over time the automatic feature just doesnt do its thing anymore, which is dangerous.

 

[crazy charlie]

Rule 1000 has some sort of electronic sensor that pulses on every so often to check for water accumulation.very unreliable, had one and did not like it at all. failed after about a year.Dont think they make them any longer.Charlie

 

[Chris1956]

Actually, I have one of those Rule automatic pumps in each boat. I like them a lot. They check for water every 2 minutes, by running for 10 sec. They have no float to get stuck up or down and are real reliable. They do not run down the battery, as is the rumor.

I have had the automatic part of the pump fail after some years, but the manual part still worked, and on my boats, they are easy to replace.

 

[cyclops222]

On my old Rules. I use the Manual lead wired to a on / off switch. pumps are now over 20 years old and still pump perfectly.
I also use them to pump out the basement after massive rains. They also make / did make 120 vac automatic pumps for pool covers.

 

[crazy charlie]

I have had the automatic part of the pump fail after some years, but the manual part still worked, and on my boats, they are easy to replace.

Yep,thats what failed on mine after 1 season..Charlie

 

[cyclops222]

The Rule Electronic pumps fail in 2.. 6 month seasons. I only use them with a switch control. They then last forever.

 

[Grub54891]

Mine has a separate float. I can trip it by hand to easily see if it’s working. It works every time by hand. But when it’s supposed to work on its own, it doesn’t. I’m replacing the float today. Once I came out to the cabin this summer and the water was up to the deck. Yup new starter installed the next day.

 

[cyclops222]

Why I always go down to the boat after a fair amount of ran. Turn on the key and check battery voltage. Then start the engine on fast idle. Then turn on both pumps with the 2 switches. That checks both pumps and battery condition and alternator function.

 

[thedinz]

Why I always go down to the boat after a fair amount of ran. Turn on the key and check battery voltage. Then start the engine on fast idle. Then turn on both pumps with the 2 switches. That checks both pumps and battery condition and alternator function.

Same, mainly because of the faulty pump, i guess ill just replace it, everything else checks out, it SHOULD be working.