Automatic bilge problems

[Dan L]

My automatic bilge quit working this weekend. The manual part of the pump works but the automatic part did not kick in after an evening storm. Does anyone know what could be wrong. Is there an aesy way to clean these?

[CAMAN]

The float switch is probably stuck. Depending on model, but the most common is probably going to look like a white wedge attached to the bottom of the bilge, near the bilge pump. Lift it up and down, if it loosens up and moves freely just clean it up and maybe spray a little WD40 onto the pivot points. If it feels stiff and won't loosen up it's time for a new one.

[PerchJerker]

It's not uncommon for the float switch to get stuck like Caman said, usually it's a piece of sand or a weed or something like that which makes them stick. When the stick they usually blow a fuse. You might have to take it apart to try to clean it --- might also want to start by looking for a blown fuse. Good luck with it.

[Erin_Meyer]

If it is an automatic pump there are also 2 seperate power feeds to the pump both of which will be fused, they should be 3 or 4 amp fuses. If your float case is black there will be a small lever that can stick. If you have three wires one should be brown, one red, and one black. You can test for power with a multimeter. If it is a quick connect check that also.

[Dan L]

I pulled the bilge pump and found a piece of debri in the float. It now moves smoothly. Thanks for the tips.