Bilge Pump Issue

[Phillbo]

I have the toggle switches on the dash that light up when you flip them to the On position. The switch for my Aft Bilge Pump has the light on in the Off position and the Pump fails to run when switched On.

My thought is that the automatic float switch somehow activated and turn the pump on and it never shut off and just burned it's self out and the light being on in the Off position is due to the float being stuck.

The switch stays with the light on even after turning off the battery switch (hard wired to battery).

I plan to replace both the float and the pump.

Agree or is there another possibility I am not thinking of?

 

[smitty477]

"Agree or is there another possibility I am not thinking of?"

That depends - do you have a two station boat?

 

[Sandy]

I think your analysis is the most likely cause if it worked correctly recently wired as is .

But it seems an odd question to me as I would have at least checked the float switch, with a boat hook if it was hard to get to, within a minute of noticing what you observed and described.

It sounds like the float switch needs to be checked for debris under it holding it up and it's hinges cleaned with WD-40 then lubed with Teflon spray while exercising up & down . Then after (earlier) confirming the pump was not in fact running, I'd disconnect the pump and try momentary jumpers to the battery to see if it is DOA from running too long dry or has jammed impeller, or just had corroded connections.

 

[PascalG]

I don't get the question either.. you have a bilge pump light that's stuck ON and your didn't check th float switch?

 

[Audrey II]

Just one question did you check to make sure there is no water in the bilge?
I agree with the analysis but I have to agree with others, why haven't you checked the float switch yet?
Is this boat on land or in the water?

 

[Capt. Bill1]

Yes it sounds like the float switch is stuck on and you may have a bad pump. Check everything including the wiring and replace as needed.