Auto Bilge Pump Trouble Shooting

[TAD]

I have a 1999 Hunter 310. The bilge pump light on the elec panel stays on RED, but the bilge pump is not working- was two weeks ago.

Does anyone know a good trouble shooting/repair guide? Suggestions on bilge model if I must replace this one?

Also, location of manual bilge pump? I should know this, but I can not find it.

Thanks,

TAD

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

My suggestion is to not ignore the light. It is lit because power is going to the circuit meaning something is potentially drawing power from your batteries, presumably a bad pump motor. Why not simply remove and replace it? The worst thing that could happen is you end up with spare.

 

[JoeWhite]

I would not replace the pump at first. You can disconnect the power - from the ground side of the motor then see if the light goes off. You can also disconnect the float switch and see if the light goes off. I am not sure why yours has a light on it. You can also lift the float switch and see if the pump turns on. Also you can remove the pump and insert it in a bucket of water with a 12 volt battery connected to the terminals and see if the motor pumps water. Once you decide that you need a motor - then it is time to make a trip to you favourite boat store!