[C320-list] Bilge pump (HELP) - documented on 320 Website

[Ted Barto]

Just occurred to me, the old rule switch just had 2 screws, the new 
replacement had a white plastic base that screwed down then the actual 
switch snapped in and out. The screws may be hidden under the switch in the 
newer style, give it the wiggle test.
Ted #880
-----Original Message----- 
From: Warren Updike
Sent: Friday, June 10, 2011 5:52 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Bilge pump (HELP) - documented on 320 Website

Jack, I had to replace our Rule switch when we first bought the boat.  It
was a mechanical float switch in white plastic. As I remember there were two
screws in the bottom of the switch into the hull.  I bought the same switch
and reused the screw holes.  I don't think it would be a problem if you had
to drill new holes as the hull is quite thick and you probably don't need
more than a 1/4-3/8" bite for the screw.

I also replaced the pump and kept the old one as a spare. A really good idea
is to wire the spare and add a hose so it can be quickly deployed in an
emergency. The hose only need empty in the cockpit.  Maybe someday I'll do
that too.  I have a lot to do on someday.

Warren & Pattie Updike
1994 C320 #62 "Warr De Mar"


-----Original Message-----
From: Jack McDonough [mailto:mcdonough5 at verizon.net]
Sent: Thursday, June 09, 2011 8:23 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Bilge pump (HELP) - documented on 320 Website

So, Brad, lemme get this straight. Was your original  switch a Rule? Mine is

a Rule but, as I said earlier, there ain't no screws to loosen as others
have described, so I'm thinking I have a different model. I never had any
trouble with this switch until this season when it stopped working
altogether. You think the Johnson is the way to go? And does it fit the same

holes as the Rule?

Jack
#947


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "jim brown" <jbrown5093 at yahoo.com>
To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 09, 2011 7:23 PM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Bilge pump (HELP) - documented on 320 Website


I agree completely. I'm on my second float switch. Changed to a new one
because it got stuck in the on position with no water in the bilge when
heeled to starboard. Guess what- new one does the same thing. I'm about to
try a different type.


Jim Brown



________________________________
From: Brad Kuether <bkuether at comcast.net>
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Sent: Wednesday, June 8, 2011 6:40 PM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Bilge pump (HELP) - documented on 320 Website

To be honest, it is NOT worth trying to salvage the stock bilge pump sensor.

Its better to just replace it, with something that WON'T get hung up,
because it is mechanical rather than electrical/enclosed. Even if it wasn't
the root cause...... (but I am almost 100% sure it was....) it is better to
have it replaced.....

After doing this replacement, I was kicking myself for not doing it sooner.
After I came to realize what cheap POS it was, I actually felt kind of
stupid, when I realized what I was "relying on", to keep my boat from
potentially sinking.

I know that people don't need another reason to spend additional $$ on their

boats, but this, was one of them for me. Why I felt it necessary to document

the process. And to be honest, if you go with the Johnson part, it REALLY is

easy and no more holes to drill!!!!

Just my 2cents, and sorry for the rant. I know everyone is just trying to
help, and that help is something I have taken in the past and completely
appreciate. I will shut up now.

-Brad, Mary, Monica, and Jarod
"Independence"
2004 Catalina 320 Hull 1006
Middle River, MD


----- Original Message ----- From: "Irving Grunes" <igrunes at gmail.com>
To: <C320-List at catalina320.com>
Sent: Wednesday, June 08, 2011 3:40 PM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Bilge pump (HELP) - documented on 320 Website


> Did you try shorting the wires where they leave the float switch or put an
> ometer across where they go into the pump to see if the switch works when
> operated manually.
> Irv #851
>
> On Wed, Jun 8, 2011 at 3:37 PM, Jack McDonough
> <mcdonough5 at verizon.net>wrote:
>
>> Ted:
>>
>> Yes. Thanks for the idea but the switch was on.
>>
>> jack
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ted Barto" <capt.tb at verizon.net>
>> To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
>> Sent: Wednesday, June 08, 2011 10:09 AM
>> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Bilge pump (HELP) - documented on 320 Website
>>
>>
>> You did check the bottom switch in the right hand column on the 12 volt
>>> panel to make sure it's in the "on" position? When I first bought my
>>> boat
>>> (2002 #880) I replaced the float switch in a panic before discovering
>>> that
>>> while wired direct to battery Catalina put a switch on the panel that
>>> kills
>>> power to the float switch. Only purpose for this I can think of is to
>>> replace the float switch, weird. Ted
>>>
>>> -----Original Message----- From: Jack McDonough
>>> Sent: Wednesday, June 08, 2011 4:54 AM
>>> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
>>> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Bilge pump (HELP) - documented on 320 Website
>>>
>>> Brad:
>>>
>>> Thanks for the offer of help. I have something from Chris, too, but I'll
>>> also look for yours. If that 7-year-old is still available, I probably
>>> will
>>> need him/her, too.
>>>
>>> jack
>>>
>>>
>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Brad Kuether" <bkuether at comcast.net>
>>> To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
>>> Sent: Tuesday, June 07, 2011 9:35 PM
>>> Subject: [C320-list] Bilge pump (HELP) - documented on 320 Website
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>> Jack,
>>>>
>>>> It is likely the sensor and it is a relatively easy replacement.
>>>>
>>>> I documented the entire process on the 320 website, including a
>>>> comprehensive BOMs, and submitted it, but it does not appear to have
>>>> been
>>>> approved.
>>>>
>>>> Chris Burti would you be so kind to please take a peek at any pending
>>>> articles and see if mine is in there?
>>>>
>>>> Jack you can contact me offline if you need any info on this fix. Took
>>>> me
>>>> about 2 hours but I had a 7 year old with me.
>>>>
>>>> Thanks!
>>>>
>>>> -Brad, Mary, Monica, and Jarod
>>>> "Independence"
>>>> 2004 Catalina 320 Hull 1006
>>>> Middle River, MD
>>>>
>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jack McDonough" <
>>>>> mcdonough5 at verizon.net>
>>>>> To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
>>>>> Sent: Tuesday, June 07, 2011 5:06 PM
>>>>> Subject: [C320-list] Bilge pump (HELP)
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> After launching today, we discovered that the automatic bilge pump in
>>>>> our 2003 320 wasn't working. The pump worked fine on "manual" but the
>>>>> float
>>>>> switch in the bilge would not activate the pump.
>>>>>
>>>>> Assuming I need to replace the float switch, can anyone tell me how to
>>>>> remove it? In other words, how is it fastened to the bottom of the
>>>>> bilge?
>>>>>
>>>>> Or is there any other reason it wouldn't work -- and, if so, what's
>>>>> the
>>>>> solution?
>>>>>
>>>>> I'd be grateful for any help on this.
>>>>>
>>>>> Jack
>>>>> #947
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>