Aft Bilge not Working

[PonquoguePlayer]

Hey Guys,

My aft bilge is not working. It will not run either with the switch on manually or when I reach down and flip the float switch. My boat is a 2008 232 with twin 150s. Any suggestions?

 

[Hookup1]

Put a picture of the pump up here so we can help.

it's difficult to reach but try to lift the float switch to see if it runs. If the pump is a pop-in style (push release, turn and pull out) you can try to spin it first then check for voltage with a voltmeter. Since it doesn't work either way there is a good chance its the pump motor. Also there is usually a fuse down there too -trace the wires back as far as you can. My bet is its the motor.

 

[PonquoguePlayer]

Put a picture of the pump up here so we can help.

it's difficult to reach but try to lift the float switch to see if it runs. If the pump is a pop-in style (push release, turn and pull out) you can try to spin it first then check for voltage with a voltmeter. Since it doesn't work either way there is a good chance its the pump motor. Also there is usually a fuse down there too -trace the wires back as far as you can. My bet is its the motor.

Thanks for the reply Hook! I already reached down and engaged the float switch which is how I know it is not working from both the helm and the hard wire. I tried to trace the wire and could not find the fuse but even if that fuse is bad it should work from the helm as the circuit breakers in my switch panel and the ones at the helm all look good. I too am assuming a bad pump but thought perhaps there was something I am overlooking, or at least hoped so because removing the back panel and getting down there to replace it is a pain.

 

[SkunkBoat]

It could be jammed with crap or the splice where the Float and Manual wires come together could be green or its the pump
All of those things require you to get in there...

 

[PonquoguePlayer]

It could be jammed with crap or the splice where the Float and Manual wires come together could be green or its the pump
All of those things require you to get in there...

Thanks Skunk! I dont think its clogged as it makes no noise at all when I switch it and worked before I put her away for winter. Looks like getting down there is a must. Damn.

 

[Hookup1]

Maybe someone with the same model can tell you if there is a fuse down there. Mine is underneath a cross member and impossible to access.

it's usually a stretch but most pumps can be snapped out leaving the base. The wires are usually long enough that you can replace the pump without pinching a nerve. You can also check the wires with a voltmeter both with switch on or float lifted to verify power.

 

[DennisG01]

I dont think its clogged as it makes no noise at all when I switch it and worked before I put her away for winter.

Things ALWAYS work the time before they stop working...

You're right that if the fuse at the dash is good (and the switch is good) then the most likely issue is the pump, itself. It's highly unlikely (although not impossible) that both wiring circuits are faulty. If you are getting 12V to either of the pump wires and there is NO nose (sometimes it's quite quiet), then the motor is the problem. You might get lucky just by spinning the shaft and spraying some penetrating oil on it.

 

[Fishtales]

Raise the float manually and see if she runs. Check the voltage then see if the float switch is closing. If yes to all, prob best to change the float switch and the pump.

 

[Father's Day]

Hey Guys,

My aft bilge is not working. It will not run either with the switch on manually or when I reach down and flip the float switch. My boat is a 2008 232 with twin 150s. Any suggestions?

The bilge is cheep enough just order a new one and put it in.

 

[glacierbaze]

That doesn’t help, if there’s no power to the pump. Look for an in-line fuse holder coming off of your battery selector switch on a brown with pink stripe wire.

 

[Rustygaff]

On my boat, there is no in-line fuse for the bilge pump circuit(s) but instead a push button breaker at the battery switch panel. The bilge pump circuit remains hot even when the batteries are switched off and is protected by the breaker.

 

[steveditt]

we always look at the power wire and if the ground wire is the issue then both manual and float will not work , check the ground wire even jump it after any splices .

 

[seasick]

The inline fuse is for auto function only. The manual function is powered differently. If both functions don't work, either the pump is dead or more likely, there is a bad electrical connection near the pump. Could be either power side or ground side.

 

[SmokyMtnGrady]

There is a breaker in my boat near the battery selector switch for the bilge pumps. They are not going to place a fuse or breaker in place where it gets flooded or wet routinely or inaccessible without dismantling the live well or what ever .

The float switch could be stuck like others mentioned. Mine gets stuck sometimes in the on position especially if I am running fast in bumpy seas . Perhaps going in there and cleaning up the bilge ,even if you have to remove a live well or something would be good to do.