Float Switch Stuck - OFF

[surfinjoe]

This spring I had some leaves and other debris in my bildge area that prevented the pump from pumping. I sucked it up with a shop vac and the pump started working again. Now it seems that the float switch does not work. I can run the pump manually however. Is the switch bad or just screwed-up with debris or something? Searay was so kind as to put the pump and switch under the motor. It is a real pain to even see them, let alone remove/inspect/clean them.

The other day I did install a second bildge pump, so at least my boat will not sink or fill with water, but it would be nice to have the other pump operational.

 

[Hampton]

Good job with the back up. These things clog up. The easiest first fix attempt is to get a stubby screw driver and loosen the attachment screws on the switch. If it's a mechanical switch (most likely), they can bind up when screwed in tight to a surface that isn't true. It sounds like you've already tried this, but you may use bilge cleaner and water and work the dog ears on the side of the pump (hinge points) to turn the switch on and off several times to see if it loosens up. If it does, be sure to check it again once it dries out - gunk may deposit back on it.

As far as the install, I don't see the big deal. There was plenty of room when they put it there. It's the placement of the engine that I question (JK).

 

[surfinjoe]

I am pretty sure that they mounted the pump and switch prior to engine install. Basically, the engine is sunk into the deck about 1 1/2'. There is less than a foot from the front of the engine to the front of the engine hatch. In otherwords, I can't get my fat head in there to see what I am doing, so removal/cleaning is a 100% blind operation (not to mention that I can hardly reach down there). If my arms were about a foot longer and had an extra elbow, it would help

Good job with the back up. These things clog up. The easiest first fix attempt is to get a stubby screw driver and loosen the attachment screws on the switch. If it's a mechanical switch (most likely), they can bind up when screwed in tight to a surface that isn't true. It sounds like you've already tried this, but you may use bilge cleaner and water and work the dog ears on the side of the pump (hinge points) to turn the switch on and off several times to see if it loosens up. If it does, be sure to check it again once it dries out - gunk may deposit back on it.

As far as the install, I don't see the big deal. There was plenty of room when they put it there. It's the placement of the engine that I question (JK).

 

[tbirdvet]

Try a hose and shoot a hard stream at and around the float switch. It may dislodge debris if that's the issue (it worked for me).

 

[Presentation]

Are you 100% confident your issue is with the float switch?

Too often the issue is the wires electrical connection for the float switch. The wire leads are short from the float switch to the small inline disconnects.

Turn the dial on the side of the float switch with your fingers. Does your pump come on?

Unplug the wires at the connection. These leads are short, not more the 1 foot from the actual flaot switch. Jump then wires together. Does your pump come on now?

Plug the float switch back in. Does it work now?