float switch question

[bones774]

auto float switch not working on bilge pump. I have bilge pump connected to Atwood auto float switch. the last couple of times I left boat it accumulated water in the bilge, as soon as I removed the cover from the float switch pump turned on a worked properly. the float has some crud on it and I cleaned it a bit don't see anything else out if place, thought maybe an air pocket trapped under cover prevented float switch turning on but there are 4 unclogged holes in top of cover. Any ideas? thanks

 

[Scott Danforth]

replace your float switch

 

[alldodge]

Its not an air pocket, the float switch is mechanical and the float isn't able to come up high enough to trip it ON. Had a few shower bilges that would not turn ON until a smacked it with my hand. If the box allowed the float to come up maybe another 1/8 inch it would work

As Scott mentioned, need another switch or modify the box

 

[bones774]

Its not an air pocket, the float switch is mechanical and the float isn't able to come up high enough to trip it ON. Had a few shower bilges that would not turn ON until a smacked it with my hand. If the box allowed the float to come up maybe another 1/8 inch it would work

As Scott mentioned, need another switch or modify the box

I know and understand all that but technically speaking the switch does work but what prevents it from rising and turning on? I see no obstructions.
and yes I will buy a new switch and realize the few bucks to fix for my own assurance is minor but the curiosity factor says WTF?
thanks

 

[alldodge]

The cover, if you can keep the cover off, it will probably continue to work

 

[bones774]

yes it does and I have but something could then fall on top of float and keep it depressed, I have an oil absorbent mat in bilge is one thing I can think of.

 

[alldodge]

I removed my attwood and installed one of these, and while they look like the attwood, they are made better
I did a thread here and cut them open to compare

https://www.ebay.com/p/2285068012?i...1WxnBoeyjlOhapzUjtRPLmsIJzU_lUUxoCfuMQAvD_BwE

 

[alldodge]

Found my thread
https://forums.iboats.com/forum/gen...engine-topics/10765069-bilge-pump-discussions

 

[bones774]

Found my thread
https://forums.iboats.com/forum/gene...mp-discussions

that's the stuff I like to see,
mine is screwed direct to hull also hopefully I can reuse screw holes, if I get pump/switch combo I'll leave old switch in place

 

[bones774]

I have to admit looking at that pump, its price and Chinese manufacture doesn't make for good 1st impression

 

[froggy1150]

There was a post i participated in about a solid state sensor with a relay for the pump. I used this project for something my 11 year old could do for a cub scout requirement. 3 resistors and 2 transistors. Had everything laying around. Real easy and nothing to get stuck with crud.

 

[froggy1150]

Post is backup bilge pump by 62cruserinc around june 20th.
i have not finished and installed in my boat yet cuz my boat isnt finished yet but it seemed to work perfect on the bench. I did use larger transistors cuz i had them lating around.

 

[gm280]

I made my own electronic bilge switches and also posted the schematic and even the PC board layout on these forums before. I have never ever used a float switch because the electronic types never gave me any issues in all the decades I'd had boats. And they are so easy to install and no maintenance with them either.

Here is the schematic and PC layout if you are wanting to build one.

 

[froggy1150]

Thats the gizmo. If you go to the other thread, gm posted picks of how to do the probes, a bnc connector and copper pipe w/hoes