Bilge Pump wouldn't shut off - 2005 1800

[Massawippi]

Hi,

I've got a 2005 1800. Over the weekend, I took it out for a quick spin on the lake. When I got back to the dock, I noticed the bilge pump was running. I thought I had accidentally turned it on at the switch but then realized that it was actually running because of the float. When I check in the engine compartment, there was no water in the bilge, it was just running essentially dry. I tried flicking the switch at the helm and that didn't help. Finally, I grabbed one of the poles for the cover and reached in and gave what I think it float control (blue box) a quick tap. That finally shut it off.

I'm wondering if anyone knows why this would have happened? Could there be something clogging the float or does it need to be cleaned periodically? How easy is it to check. It looks to me like it is just a couple of screws holding on the cover. Any thoughts?

Also, is there a problem if that pump runs dry? I'm worried about what would have happened had I not noticed? It obviously ould have eventually run down the battery but what about the pump, can it survive running dry?

Thanks!

 

[Ken W]

Those enclosed float switched will stick because of debris etc. Save yourself some headaches, a dead battery or worse and just get a Rule float switch.

 

[Nouchka]

Just unscrew and clean up your "blue box".

 

[avstevec]

The bilge pumps are OK to run dry, won't hurt a bit. The pump is hard plastic as opposed to soft rubber and doesn't need to keep prime.

Sounds like the float switch was stuck; easy and inexpensive to replace (might just need cleaning) if it continues to get stuck.

Best luck!