Bilge pump running - but not full power
Submitted by duges66 on Tue, 2016-03-22 12:52
Was putting the boat cover on & heard a slight buzzing noise. Was the bilge pump (Rule 1100 with a separate float switch - pic just for visual) the light on the gang switches was on but it was in the off position so I pulled the fuse behind the switch - light still on pump still running but not full speed. When I lifted the float next to the pump it crancked up to full speed. Ended up pulling the fuse that was on the power lead direct to the battery which stopped it. Thing that throws me is it was running but only just. Any ideas on whats going on? Any thoughts on Rules v's other types?
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cruzy111
Posts: 274
Date Joined: 08/10/13
There is usually two
There is usually two seperate supplies to that setup. One on the dash is usually a manual switch. It will also be fed from a seperate fuse which powers the float switch. The float switch has probably got water in it and shorting out but only enough to cause the motor to hum or spin slowly. You can usually tell. Put some water in the bilge to cover the float. Try and put your hand on the switch. If you get zapped by 12volt and it will zap you good the float is stuffed. It is quite common as if any chemicals or fuel get on them it weakens the plastic and the seals let go.
duges66
Posts: 140
Date Joined: 07/03/12
Cheers cruzzy. Reckon I might
Cheers cruzzy. Reckon I might get a mate to go with the 9v tongue thingy. Bahahah
There's 3 kinds of people in this world, those who can count and those that can't.
cruzy111
Posts: 274
Date Joined: 08/10/13
If it is stuffed and you
If it is stuffed and you need to replace it have a good look at the wiring. Sometimes these setups are done pretty dodgy and open to water getting into the wiring. Water can also get into the float switch through the wiring. Mine is all done with glued heat shrink on the joins, and joins are all soldered. If your cable is not tinned copper and has had water in it and it is corroded or discoloured it is nearly impossible to do a good job without replacing the whole cable or cutting it back to fresh cable.