Bilge's on the Fritz

[psychfeld]

Hi Gang,

I've got a new to me 2009 Lagoon 420 sailing cat.

I recently discovered that bilge pumps on both hulls do not trigger to come on automatically when water fills the hulls (not good!).

Both bilge pumps come on when I use the manual switch at the panel.

I checked the 15 amp fuse, it is ok.

I'm hesitant to replace both pumps as I don't think it's too likely that they both lost their automatic functionality on or about the same time.

I wonder where else to look.

Any ideas would be helpful!

Thanks in advance.

Rob

[boatman61]

Check the 'Float Switches' are not gunged up.. simple test is lift the float with your finger.. if the pump starts it needs a good clean.. if it does not.. buy new float switch..

[a64pilot]

Buy a good float switch so your not doing this again.
I like the Ultra float switch, but there are other good ones, the regular rule float switch is very prone to premature failure.


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[psychfeld]

These bilges both have built in switches from what I see/read.

I think that might mean I need to change them both out? Is there a way to confirm that the internal auto switch is no good?

I guess I need to go buy a new one and see if that solves the problem, just thought I'd check in with you guys to see if there's something I'm missing.

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by psychfeld

These bilges both have built in switches from what I see/read.

I think that might mean I need to change them both out? Is there a way to confirm that the internal auto switch is no good?

I guess I need to go buy a new one and see if that solves the problem, just thought I'd check in with you guys to see if there's something I'm missing.

How many wires (or how many conductors) go to each pump?

And what is the brand/model of the pump?


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[psychfeld]

Hi Sailmonkey,

I have a Rule 2000 on one hull and a Rule 750 on the other side (I don't know why the previous owner did that).

The Rule 2000 has 3 wires a black for ground, the manual override (brown-white) and the automatic power (brown) line that is supposed to come on when the float switch (internal component in the Rule 2000) lifts.

The manual override switch turns on both pumps and neither pump works when I pour water into the hulls at the point where the bilges should clearly come on.

I checked the 15 amp fuse behind the switch at the power panel.

Neither pump gets power to the bilge unit when the system is in Auto mode.

I think this is the problem and I'm not sure where to look to confirm/fix this.

Any legal suggestions will be appreciated

[tkeithlu]

Pull those pumps out of their clip mounts and see if hair/gunk is in the way of the internal float switches.

[psychfeld]

Yes, I have pulled the pumps out cleaned them and brushed the electrical connections.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by tkeithlu

Pull those pumps out of their clip mounts and see if hair/gunk is in the way of the internal float switches.

I have heard too many reports of problems with Rules with automatic built in so don't use them. So I'm not sure if the auto function is some kind of float or electronic sensor. Either way I agree you should pull the pumps out, clean and inspect and test.

Also, have you checked the wiring to make sure power goes to the pump when the pump switch is on auto?

If the auto function in the pump is dead but the pump still pumps then you can keep the pump and add an external switch. I agree with A64, the Ultra Switch is my choice. I got the model with a secondary alarm switch built in that I connect to a LOUD alarm for just in case.

Long term the Rule is not my favorite for day to day, long term use. I have a couple of Rule 4000 pumps for emergency use but they stay high and dry unless something hits the fan.

[sailorboy1]

[QUOTE=psychfeld;2199369 Is there a way to confirm that the internal auto switch is no good?
[/QUOTE]

Don't you already know that as that is what started your thread?

What's the cost factor between 2 bilge pumps and a 2009 lagoon 420?

I would be in the bilge replacing those things as I type this.

[tkeithlu]

If cleaning doesn't work, spraying with solvent (WD-40) doesn't work, and 12VDC is at the positive side of the automatic circuit at the switch, and nothing happens when you manually lift the switch (little knob on the side, usually), then it's time to substitute a spare pump in the circuit. You should carry a spare in any case, and its working where yours does not answers the question.

[Sailmonkey]

I would either add external float switches, or redo the whole lot with new pumps and external switches.....of some other flavor than rule.


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