[C320-list] Bilge Pump

[clburti at gmail.com]

I could only find this problem raised with the  SeeWater switch. 


I should have been more specific…I installed a Sensaswitch which enjoys a very good reputation. I understand that these may be manufactured now as the Johnson ULTIMA electronic bilge pump switch. These reportedly at one time may have required additional sealing of the wires by the installer/consumer. The old ones like mine were encapsulated, the newer one were not and I do not know if the issue has been addressed currently by the manufacturer. 


Initially, I had a problem with the pump not cutting off. Turns out the switch is very precise. I installed the switch flush with the bottom of the bilge and as the pump pickup is incapable of getting the last 1/4 inch or so of water, I had to install a spacer.


Zero issues since then.






Fair Winds
Chris Burti
Commitment
Catalina 320, #867





From: Joseph R Aberdale
Sent: ‎Sunday‎, ‎April‎ ‎27‎, ‎2014 ‎9‎:‎25‎ ‎AM
To: 320





Chris,

Do you remember the make and model of the new switch you installed?

Thanks very much.

Joe

On Apr 27, 2014, at 8:20 AM, <clburti at gmail.com> <clburti at gmail.com> wrote:

> Joe,
> 
> They are absolutely old tech…I replaced mine with a solid state sensor a couple of years ago and do not intended to ever buy another float switch. The wiring is in the bilge which in my view is the environmental equivalent of a urinal, so great care must be taken in sealing the connections. I wrote a description of the process that I used and posted it on this list. one of our members wrote an article for Mainsheet on installing a back up pump as well.
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> Fair Winds
> Chris Burti
> Commitment
> Catalina 320, #867
> 
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> From: Joseph R Aberdale
> Sent: ‎Saturday‎, ‎April‎ ‎26‎, ‎2014 ‎2‎:‎26‎ ‎PM
> To: 320
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> I’ve discovered that the bilge pump is fine but the float switch is faulty. It’s a part time worker depending on how you move it. Are float switches old technology? What are people using for replacements?
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> Thank you!
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> On Apr 24, 2014, at 11:43 PM, Gary Magnuson <gary.magnuson at frontier.com> wrote:
> 
>> Joe,
>> Not sure I can offer any help, but is there water to pump?  I think some models have an internal sensing circuit that automatically runs the pump if there is water present.   I think I learned this the hard way and replaced a perfectly good pump.   Perhaps you can check the rule web site to see if there is a chance that it could be this type. Rule Pumps 12 Volt DC Automatic Bilge Pumps 500 GPH - 2000 GPH feature computerized operation on the principle of impeller resistance. Float switches are not required. The pump will turn on every 2-1/2 minutes to sense for water. If water is present, the pump will sense resistance and continue to run until all the water is removed. Thereafter, it will check  for water every 2-1/2 minutes.Power use in the checking mode is minimal.
>> 
>> Also, they can come apart to be sure the impeller is free and not obstructed by something.  If you can pull the pump off of its base and submerge it in a bucket, to see if it runs.   Then check for voltage at the pump, and go from there.   Let us know what you find...
>> Gary Magnuson
>> Time A Weigh #205
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>> On 4/24/2014 8:15 PM, Joseph R Aberdale wrote:
>>> Rulematic Switch CE,