Problems with RuleMate Bilge pump Rule 750

[syoun10]

After two years of use on my new Hunter 33, the Rule 750 bilge pump started a problem of turning on, and never turning off again. To get it off, I would take it out of its strainer mounting bracket, twist it around, shake it a bit, and after a minute of this it would stop. The pump has an integral float switch.

I phoned ITT Rule, and they simply (& a little to readily, I thought), said they would just send me a new one. It arrived, and I installed it, then after some months it failed the same way. Again, Rule replaced it - no questions asked, and no request to sent in the old one for analysis.

Now two months later the third one has failed with exactly the same symptoms.

What the hell is going on??!!

My bilge is clean (boat only 5 yrs old) and never had oil in it. As part of trouble shooting, I've put fresh water in the bilge so the pump could get a lot of fresh water to pump out (which it did well).

Anybody had this problem or able to throw light on it?

I know Rule state that the integral float switch uses some sort of new technology that senses the material in the bilge and won't pump it if it thinks it is oil - but is this related?

Of course, I have to state that there is no leak - there is no water in the bilge for the pump to be pumping out!

Any comments gratefully received.

 

[KD3PC]

rule = about three months operation in a clean bilge...less for a nasty one. Poor components and poor quality.

not the Rule it used to be.

try another brand, I have had good luck with Johnsons, their mid line manual pumps with witch switches...

best of luck

 

[sailaway78]

I have never

had very much success with any bilge pump with built in float switch. Don't know why, but they just don't seem to last. I now use one of the electronic float switches, and have never yet had one of those fail.

 

[jibes138]

I tried one in a dinghy and ended up draining the battery because it wouldn't shut off. I gave up on it, still on a shelf in the garage. Also never buy the standard float switch, it doesn't shut off either. Only the more expensive "superswitch" works.

 

[Don12364]

Maybe the switch to turn it on and off only works if the pump is dead level.
To ensure the maximum amount of water removal the switch will be set to operate with the minimum of water. If for any reason the pump can't get to the last dregs it will never turn off.
Is yours mounted level? Also could it be that heeling is a problem? i.e. is there a fore and aft situation versus an athwartships one?

 

[c_witch]

Hiee,

I've read that some of these auto pumps work in several ways. One they can use some type of sensing of electrical current flowing to judge how much water is around them and turn on /off or NOT. The other method is that they will cycle on/off periodically and the load on the impeller senses how much water there is and whether to continue or not.
Personally I have an Attwood V1250 and float switch which seems to work just fine although I don't know of any time it has come on in the auto mode due to lack of water to pump ie trip the switch to ON.

c_witch

 

[zeehag]

my fully automatic rule 500 gph unit finally failed in mazatlan. i added non automatic one now--and my flapper switch on my large pump quit yet again--those are only good for 1-2 years--i was fortunate to have been able to use mine now for 3 yrs--we re-connected it and is good to go ..i use mine regularly as i am cruising a formosa.....

rule pumps do not have to be upright to function..mine is usually lying on its side.

 

[BillyK]

rule = about three months operation in a clean bilge...less for a nasty one. Poor components and poor quality.

not the Rule it used to be.

try another brand, I have had good luck with Johnsons, their mid line manual pumps with witch switches...

best of luck

My rule switch failed in exactly 3 months in a clean bilge that was DRY! explain that one.....

 

[KD3PC]

My rule switch failed in exactly 3 months in a clean bilge that was DRY! explain that one.....

same here, I thought I had "replaced" the bad unit with another bad unit (my spare)....but they were both new in box units.....

I went with Johnson after that week...

 

[capta]

If I am not mistaken that Rule auto-pump will "cycle on/off periodically and the load on the impeller senses how much water there is and whether to continue or not". Is it possible that those of you having trouble with them do not have a constant 12.2 volts DC or more? Just a thought.
I've had one in my forward head sump for over 2 years w/o a bit of trouble. That's certainly dirty water; hair, soap, toothpaste, etc.