I recently fitted a new automatic bilge pump to my Catalina 309; a Rule-Mate 1100. All went well for the installation and pump worked well.
However, soon noticed the pump failing to turn off; but by switching to off then back to auto it stayed off and seemed to come on again when needed.
Yesterday decided to look more closely. I cleaned the bilge so thoroughly you could eat dinner off it and washed out the bilge pump. Using a hose I tested the pump and while at first spluttering a bit - perhaps due to soap - it was working well and switching off automatically as expected. I tested it on and off for about 5 cycles to rise out the whole bilge. Then refitted all.
Now the mystery.
Today when I returned and the pump was running again having failed to switch off. I thought I must just have a faulty pump and would replace it. But before i cleaned it all again - using the freshwater hose. AND magic - it turned off automatically every time. In fact it did this 3 or 4 more times.
I then pumped out and tested it with a bucket of clean saltwater. It failed to turn off!
It seems to me (I have yet to pull bilge pump to bits as it is all sealed) that there is an electrical switch inside the pump that makes contact when water covers it. However, as salt water is more conductive it seems that a very small amount keeps the connection active and so the pump does not respond and switch off.
Has anybody else experienced this problem?
I have written to Rule Inc the manufacturer of the pump but am yet to hear back.
However, soon noticed the pump failing to turn off; but by switching to off then back to auto it stayed off and seemed to come on again when needed.
Yesterday decided to look more closely. I cleaned the bilge so thoroughly you could eat dinner off it and washed out the bilge pump. Using a hose I tested the pump and while at first spluttering a bit - perhaps due to soap - it was working well and switching off automatically as expected. I tested it on and off for about 5 cycles to rise out the whole bilge. Then refitted all.
Now the mystery.
Today when I returned and the pump was running again having failed to switch off. I thought I must just have a faulty pump and would replace it. But before i cleaned it all again - using the freshwater hose. AND magic - it turned off automatically every time. In fact it did this 3 or 4 more times.
I then pumped out and tested it with a bucket of clean saltwater. It failed to turn off!
It seems to me (I have yet to pull bilge pump to bits as it is all sealed) that there is an electrical switch inside the pump that makes contact when water covers it. However, as salt water is more conductive it seems that a very small amount keeps the connection active and so the pump does not respond and switch off.
Has anybody else experienced this problem?
I have written to Rule Inc the manufacturer of the pump but am yet to hear back.
