bilge pumps....

[Riggerdave]

Hey guys,<br /><br />My bilge pump quit working on my trophy. No automatic from the float and no joy with the switch on the panel. Question is, what's the best way to determine if it is a bad float or a bad pump? Don't want to replace parts just for the sake of replacing parts.<br /><br />Thanks in advance,<br />Dave

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: bilge pumps....

Riggerdave,<br /><br /> I would just invest in a new pump! Not worth it to have problems with it, when you REALLY need it to work! Not that expensive! Check Overtons or West Marine. Just My Opinion! <br /><br />PS: Check your electrical connections to the pump before anything else, as you say it is not working from the switch. Put 12 volts directly to it and see if it goes. If so, start looking at connections! <br /><br />Rick

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: bilge pumps....

You can take it out and clean the junk out of the pump along with testing it with a 12 volt battery. On occasion a piece of trash gets into the pump blades.<br /><br />A replacement pump might set you back $18-$25 depending on how you feel.<br /><br />Bob

 

[DJ]

Re: bilge pumps....

Riggerdave,<br /><br />Just like the others said, apply 12v to it and see if it runs.<br /><br />If it is bad replace it. A piece of advice, go with the next size larger. If it's a 500, go 750, 750,go to 1000.<br /><br />Many boat builders scrimp in this area.

 

[grandx]

Re: bilge pumps....

Didn't read anything about the fuse or breaker, I'd check these first. If trash got caught in the pump, this safety device should go first. If that's not it then check the pump. <br /><br />Auto float switch and manual switch on my boat have seperate fuses (and common ground), if both quit at the same time... they may share a fuse, ground connection faulty, the pump is no good, or it's quite a coincidense that both switches went out at the same time.<br /><br />Hope this helps.

 

[epresutti]

Re: bilge pumps....

RiggerDave,<br /><br />My personal preference is a pump that has an integrated float switch, I use an Attwood 500gph on my 18 footer and have had no problems with it. I did have a barnicle stuck in the blades once (see post above), the pump would run, just wouldn't spit water!<br /><br />West-marine has a Rule automatice submersible for $41.99 draws 1.9amps, I don't like these pumps, because they turn on every 2.5 minutes "looking for water", I much prefer the float switches.<br /><br />Hope this helps.<br /><br />Cheers.<br /><br />emp.

 

[epresutti]

Re: bilge pumps....

RiggerDave,<br /><br />Sorry for the double post, west-marine has the Attwood 500gph 1.5amp for $39.99, they also have the Attwood 1100gph 5amp for $89.99.<br /><br />Cheers.<br /><br />emp.

 

[Riggerdave]

Re: bilge pumps....

Thanks for all the replies!! I'll let you all know how it goes. I'm hoping it's just the fuse!<br /><br />Thanks again,<br />Dave