I recently bought an O'Day 272, Bilge pump is Attwood, but could find no model #. Is this the 'standard' bilge pump that came with the 272? It says 'Automatic bilge pump' around the housing, but the float mechanism doesn't appear to work - when circuit breaker is on, bilge pump is on. When it is off, pump is off. There doesn't appear to be any way to 'fix' anything, as the float is sealed with a couple wires going to it. Anyone have ideas on how to make it 'automatic' again, or just best to buy another (do I have a choice other than flipping breaker to turn on/off)?
Attwood Bilge Pump
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Sounds like it's float switch is stuck on "on".
Pumps are pretty inexpensive. I'm guessing you have a combo? pump with a switch built in.
I would replace it with a pump and a seperate float switch.
It's pretty easy to DIY.
Take the old one to a supply, tell them what you want to do. It's cheap insurance.
Another answer that may come up is to add- a float switch to your existing pump since it's always on when power is applied.
I would advised against that.
Pumps are cheap. Switches are cheap.
I would replace the set-up, and have comfort knowing I have a good pump system installed.
This is a critical system.
Make sure it operates and exceeds your expectations.
Although I really don't think of mine too much, I know, many times, It's done it's job and more many occasions, when I wasn't even there.
It is a really small price to pay, and it may save your boat.
Yeah - cheap price to pay for a new one. With everything off except Bilge pump, there shouldn't be too much of a drawdown of the batteries. How much control do I have concerning 'start/stop level of water? I know there's some back-drain when the pump thinks it has pumped out all water and should shut down. How much water has to come back in before it starts again. Defnitely don't want to drain batteries as this is only way to start Diesel. I can't 'rope start' it like an outboard...
Also - any idea of battery life? There are 2 batteries that are 'maintenance free'. Not sure of AH, but past reference from manual I received from original owner indicate batteries purchased in 2005.
Also - any idea of battery life? There are 2 batteries that are 'maintenance free'. Not sure of AH, but past reference from manual I received from original owner indicate batteries purchased in 2005.
I have a "staged trickle charge" on mine when plugged in dockside. I would say the battery usage is minimal at best. Mine (float) is not adjustable and kicks on when there is about 2" of water there. Providing you have shore power there should be nothing to worry about, if your gone for a while.
If you're crusing, every time you run the engine, it should charge your batteries.
No idea on battery life, but as an example, I bought the Mega-Battery from wallmart and it powers my whole system (although minor) for about 4 days of daily use. That would be, lights at night, VHF radio, stereo, depth meter,phone charging...etc....my outboard has a cord that I also run to the battery, it has a small magneto, and thats not much, it would prob power my running lights dimly.
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