My boat just went in the water and my bilge filled a little. I noticed that the float switch wasn't activating the pump even when I lifted the float manually. I know the pump works fine because I could turn that on and off directly with a switch on the DC panel. Is it reasonable to assume that the float switch needs replacement? I put it in myself a few years ago and it worked OK through last season. How long do they typically last?
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have you checked the fuse?
on my 34 i have the switch on the panel for manual use, but for automatic use it is powered by a front loaded fuse on the panel. it is the old automotive type (glass cylinder and steel ends). it just takes a quarter turn from the holder and the fuse will come out. it may also mean that your float switch is bad as you suggested. you can test for power at the switch with a meter. mike
on my 34 i have the switch on the panel for manual use, but for automatic use it is powered by a front loaded fuse on the panel. it is the old automotive type (glass cylinder and steel ends). it just takes a quarter turn from the holder and the fuse will come out. it may also mean that your float switch is bad as you suggested. you can test for power at the switch with a meter. mike
Bilge Float Switch Life
I have a H31 1987, and my experience is that a "Rule" float switch last only a few years. I keep a new spare in my "goodie" box. I try to check my bilge weekly, because the A/C and dehumidifier both drain into the bilge. Lucky, the last two times the float switches died, I checked the bilge to find it full of water and promptly replaced the float switch. bill
I have a H31 1987, and my experience is that a "Rule" float switch last only a few years. I keep a new spare in my "goodie" box. I try to check my bilge weekly, because the A/C and dehumidifier both drain into the bilge. Lucky, the last two times the float switches died, I checked the bilge to find it full of water and promptly replaced the float switch. bill
My last Rule float switch died yesterday.
I'm trying to remember one that lasted more than three or four years. The one that died yesterday was for the shower sump. I replaced it with a West Marine float switch. The main bilge pump already has one of those new surface sensor switches. But sadly it's on its' second one. The first one died for no reason. Lucky it was under warranty even though the company that made it is out of business, WM got stuck replacing it for free. Wanna get rich? Yep, invent the better float switch.
I'm trying to remember one that lasted more than three or four years. The one that died yesterday was for the shower sump. I replaced it with a West Marine float switch. The main bilge pump already has one of those new surface sensor switches. But sadly it's on its' second one. The first one died for no reason. Lucky it was under warranty even though the company that made it is out of business, WM got stuck replacing it for free. Wanna get rich? Yep, invent the better float switch.
I've gone thru three float switches on my boat .
The last one I purchased was a heavy duty type.. It's lasted three years so far. Be careful with that fuse switch when opening the nav. table top as I snapped mine off last year when on vacation. Althought it is threaded into the panel so replacement was easy.
The last one I purchased was a heavy duty type.. It's lasted three years so far. Be careful with that fuse switch when opening the nav. table top as I snapped mine off last year when on vacation. Althought it is threaded into the panel so replacement was easy.
Check the wire connections...
I found mine were corroded to the point that the switch wasn't working when I bought the boat. Cut an inch off each wire, crimped into new connector and protected with heat shrink tubing. High humidity of the bilge with the AC condensate must have been the cause. PO had installed two switches--both needed to be fixed. Am adding an alarm sounder to the higher positioned one for additional peace of mind.
I found mine were corroded to the point that the switch wasn't working when I bought the boat. Cut an inch off each wire, crimped into new connector and protected with heat shrink tubing. High humidity of the bilge with the AC condensate must have been the cause. PO had installed two switches--both needed to be fixed. Am adding an alarm sounder to the higher positioned one for additional peace of mind.
Mike from Chicago was right
I knew about that fuse but I had completely forgotten about it. I bought a new switch but then I checked the fuse and it was bad. The old switch is still in there and working fine now so I can hang on to the new one. I also found out why the bilge was filling in the first place. I noticed that it was filling only when the water pump was on and that the faucets blew air when I turned the hot water on. I lifted the seats and opened the hatches above the water heater and sure enough the little petcock drain valve was half open and spilling water. 2 problems solved in the same day - a new record. Thanks all.
I knew about that fuse but I had completely forgotten about it. I bought a new switch but then I checked the fuse and it was bad. The old switch is still in there and working fine now so I can hang on to the new one. I also found out why the bilge was filling in the first place. I noticed that it was filling only when the water pump was on and that the faucets blew air when I turned the hot water on. I lifted the seats and opened the hatches above the water heater and sure enough the little petcock drain valve was half open and spilling water. 2 problems solved in the same day - a new record. Thanks all.
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