Bilge Float Switch

Randall Schmidt

Randall Schmidt

.
Mar 1, 2016
276
Oday 28 Tracy's Landing
I have a 1984 Oday 28. The bilge pump is hot wired yet the float activation is not working When I lift the switch the pump runs or when I turn on. The A or B or both batteries and hit the bilge pump switch on the panel she runs and pumps out nicely. Not sure why I find the switch submerged in water and not automatically activating. Guess I need to replace it. Anyone know what switch to use or have any other relevant advice? Thanks

this looks like it will do the job
 
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Tally Ho

Tally Ho

.
Jan 7, 2011
5,748
Oday 322 East Chicago, IN
Randall Schmidt said:
I have a 1984 Oday 28. The bilge pump is hot wired yet the float activation is not working When I lift the switch the pump runs or when I turn on. The A or B or both batteries and hit the bilge pump switch on the panel she runs and pumps out nicely. Not sure why I find the switch submerged in water and not automatically activating. Guess I need to replace it. Anyone know what switch to use or have any other relevant advice? Thanks

this looks like it will do the job
Click to expand
How deep is the water? You indicate if you lift the switch it turns on…. So, you are saying the float switch “doesn't float”?

My float switch is internal to the housing, but I have to have a fair amount of water in the bilge before the pump turns on.

But if there is something wrong with your float switch, the one you selected should be a good one.

Greg
 
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Project_Mayhem

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Sep 24, 2018
3,630
Catalina 30 MKIII Chicago
Some panels allow you to select off/auto/on. Test for power in all positions. You can pull the switch up by hand if its external or turn the pump upside down if it's an internal switch. Chances are, the switch went bad but checking for power at the wires, panel, etc will confirm this. It could just be an improper use of the switch on the panel

PS - Dont drill into your bilge to mount your bilge components
 
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Richard19068

Richard19068

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Jun 11, 2004
1,814
Oday 31 Redondo Beach
As Tally Ho suggested, are you sure the bilge is full enough to trigger the switch. Mine takes quite a bit of water to get going but then does a good evacuation before shutting off.

I sometimes flood my bilge with a garden hose just to make me comfortable that the floating part of the switch actually floats.
I usually do this when I want to clean the bilge anyway (which isn't often needed).
 
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