RULE Automatic Pump Issues

[capngeo]

I am on my 3rd Rule Automatic pump....


They keep failing in the "on" or pump condition, in that they keep running long after the water has been pumped away. My bilge is TINY and I don't have room for a regular pump and float switch.

Any suggestions?

[Therapy]

Shurflow and Attwood tested better in Practial Sailor.

All warn that debris will stick switch ON.

[barnakiel]

Clean the cage box. Accumulated dust / hair etc tend to lock the switch in the ON position.

If it runs dry for a time the engine will die pretty early.

b.

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by barnakiel

Clean the cage box. Accumulated dust / hair etc tend to lock the switch in the ON position.

If it runs dry for a time the engine will die pretty early.

b.

Yea man!

I have a small bilge pump used for different things. I have it wrapped in a piece of screen. Almost nothing gets to the impeller except water. 10 yrs old. (lightly used though)

[AnchorageGuy]

I have given up on pretty much anything made by Rule. Your problem is a common one with this pump, it doesn't even take any debris to have the automatic built in switch jam in the up position. If your not around the pump eventually burns out. I would never in a million years rely on a Rule product to keep water out of my boat. But that just my opinion. Chuck

[capngeo]

The "switch" is electronic and cannot be jammed; it senses density around the pump (it will turn on if you put your finger over the sensor)

Previously (for 20+ years) I had a Rule 250 with a float switch epoxied to the top. worked fine, but always kept 6" of water in the sump

[AnchorageGuy]

Originally Posted by capngeo

The "switch" is electronic and cannot be jammed; it senses density around the pump (it will turn on if you put your finger over the sensor)

Previously (for 20+ years) I had a Rule 250 with a float switch epoxied to the top. worked fine, but always kept 6" of water in the sump

Not the ones I have used. I quote their product info...

"Rule Rule-Mate Series Fully Automatic Pumps contain the pump and the non-mercury float switch in a single, compact housing. As the water level rises, so does the float switch, activating the pump when the water level reaches 2-1/8''. There is no on/off cycling and therefore, no power use until the pump comes on. Features include easy clean snap-lock strainer bases, silent, vibrationless operation, anti-airlock protection, stainless steel shafts, and no burn-out when run dry. 12VDC."

I had one in my shower sump until I threw it away. Chuck

[barnakiel]

Yep. Plain plastic netting - the type used for mosquito nets, wrapped round the pump, seems to keep most trouble at bay.

b.

[engele]

I have the same issue. We go through a few a year. The biggest problem now is that outside of the USA, those pumps are $100 each (for the 500gph). We have not tried to use screen. Our auto pump has an electronic, non mechanical, non float switch. I've considered going with a non cartridge pump that has a pickup hose. The cartridge pumps do not handle head pressure well. A Johnson 1000gph did not even pump all the way to our thru hull (so Rule's pump is at least better than that). All of our electric pumps are Rule with the exception of one Johnson. We have a whale mechanical pump that is a hell of a lot more reliable.

[capngeo]

Originally Posted by Waterwayguy

Not the ones I have used. I quote their product info...

"Rule Rule-Mate Series Fully Automatic Pumps contain the pump and the non-mercury float switch in a single, compact housing. As the water level rises, so does the float switch, activating the pump when the water level reaches 2-1/8''. There is no on/off cycling and therefore, no power use until the pump comes on. Features include easy clean snap-lock strainer bases, silent, vibrationless operation, anti-airlock protection, stainless steel shafts, and no burn-out when run dry. 12VDC."

I had one in my shower sump until I threw it away. Chuck

INCORRECT: The sensor utilizes the dielectric properties of water so as to not pump oil

[Therapy]

On a current site.

Rule Mate Fully Automatic Bilge Pumps







The new eco-friendly Rule Mate series of Bilge pumps feature a solid state water sensing technology that eliminates the need for a separate float switch. When water enters the bilge and reaches a certain height (2-3/4 inches) a sensor turns the pump on. After the water is pumped out, another sensor shuts the pump off.
The sensor's unique "field effect" technology is programmed to recognize the dielectric constant of water only. In the event of an onboard oil spill, straight motor oil that enters the bilge will not turn the pump on. It's part of Rule's continuing commitment to preserving our waterway.

The new Rule Mates are available in 500, 750 and 1100 GPH models. Rule has been building bilge pumps for 30 years. The pumps are preferred by yachtsmen and commercial fishermen the world over.

• All-in-one pump & switch—no float switch required
• Pump turns on when water level rises & shuts off when water is removed
• Will not pump oil—straight motor oil will not turn pump on
• Snap-off strainer for easy cleaning
• Anti-fouling impeller
• Limited three year warranty

Ain't progress great.

[keyspc]

after four, i traced problem to low voltage. go figure. but when batt is low auto cut off doesn't work. when battt up no prob. also washing it didnt seem to help much but that sensor gets gunky

EDIT: buy from west and split for the ext warranty!

[Mimsy]

Our Life with Ceol Mor: Let's talk about things that suck

Great minds think alike or misery loves company? I will not be buying anything by Rule if I can possibly avoid it.

[psneeld]

Originally Posted by capngeo

INCORRECT: The sensor utilizes the dielectric properties of water so as to not pump oil

Geez...the picture posted matches the match here....
Product Description



Rule Rule-Mate Series Fully Automatic Pumps contain the pump and the non-mercury float switch in a single, compact housing

Hope you can prove us BOTH wrong as to your "quick on the trigger" reaction.....

[HopCar]

The pump shown in the picture is the newer design without a float switch.
This is what the ones with float switches look like.

I have one of the new ones on my boat. It does run a little longer than it would with a float switch, but it does shut off. My theory is that it takes a few seconds for the sensors to dry.