Stymied on this one. In automatic, my bilge pump will kick in when water level reaches the internally mounted switch, but doesn't turn off. Seems to pump fine in manual. I replaced a separate pump and switch last fall with an integrated one from WM and initially it seemed to work fine. Not so much now. I looked at the one-way check valve and it seems to operate normally. Only thing I can think to do (other than replacing the pump/switch...again!) is to elevate the assembly 1/2" or so off the bottom of the bilge...something I'm going to try tomorrow. Anyone else had this problem? Suggestions/solutions?

Tim Leighton
S/V "Magic" C400 #251

Tim:

Will the switch be free to rotate downward further if you elevate the assembly? If it sits against the bottom of the assembly, as opposed to being free to drop below it, raising it won't help. I suspect that the real solution would be to raise one end or the other with a shim to change the orientation of the switch. You could experiment with this by unscrewing the pump from the bilge and slightly lifting one end or the other to see if it will cycle properly. If so just mount a small piece of something like starboard material under that end and then reattach the pump.

Hope this helps,

Tim:

Another thought...If a piece of debris got caught under the bottom of the switch, it could keep the switch from being able to rotate far enough downward to get to the "off" position.

On my boat I took the "Rule Super Switch" that controlls the 1750 gph pump and remounted it on top of the pump by roughing both surfaces and using 5200. The only way the 1750 pump will come on now is if the water in the bilge is about 6" deep. I then mounted a small 500 gph pump directly on the bottom of the bilge to take care of routine water. So the 1750 only comes on if there is a significant leak or the 500 fails.