Mid Berth Bilge Pump

MinaMina Member Posts: 43 ✭
in Electrical Discussions
The bilge pump under the  mid berth on my 2004 342 FV is running constantly. I’ve checked the float and it moves freely. I even did the technical procedure of tapping both the float cage and the pump with the handle of a screwdriver with no success. Does the rocker switch on the dash work both pumps or just the engine compartment bilge pump?
Ken Walker 2004 342 Fiesta Vee
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Comments

  • aero3113aero3113 Member Posts: 9,045 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited July 2020
    I wired both pumps to work off of the switch.
    2008 330EC
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  • LaReaLaRea Member, Moderator Posts: 7,756 mod
    The helm switch should operate both bilge pumps, and it will override the float switch.  


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  • MinaMina Member Posts: 43 ✭
    So then, could the helm switch be bad?
    Ken Walker 2004 342 Fiesta Vee
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  • MinaMina Member Posts: 43 ✭
    I opened the engine compartment hatch to check that pump and it sounds like it is running also.  Any thoughts Y’all?
    Ken Walker 2004 342 Fiesta Vee
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  • rasburyrasbury Member Posts: 8,410 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Sounds like a bad switch but I'm a parts replace when it comes to electrical...should be able to pull the switch and probe it and see if it is hot on and off...
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  • Black_DiamondBlack_Diamond Member Posts: 5,439 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Have you toggeled the switch?  It is easy to have that switch on and not realize it. 

    FYI those pumps will not survive running dry if the original type. 

    Past owner of a 2003 342FV
    PC BYC, Holland, MI
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  • MinaMina Member Posts: 43 ✭
    Okay, I pulled the switch and it fell apart so now I need a new switch. Does anyone know where I can find one? Also, the bilge pump is still running even with the switch removed. Any suggestions?
    Ken Walker 2004 342 Fiesta Vee
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  • PickleRickPickleRick Member Posts: 4,014 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The bilge pump has 2 sources of 12v +. The switch and directly from the battery.  

    If the float sticks she will run non stop no matter the switch position.

    Hit it with the handle end of a screwdriver. Might be a one time occurrence, if it happens more than once she needs a new float if separate or a new pump if built in.
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  • Aqua_AuraAqua_Aura Member Posts: 2,621 ✭✭✭✭✭
    New Wire Marine is where I got my switches from. 
    1997 Bayliner 3988
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  • YYZRCYYZRC Member Posts: 5,115 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Plus one on Rocker Switch Pros/New Wire Marine. Good service. 
    2008 350 EC on Georgian Bay
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  • MinaMina Member Posts: 43 ✭
    Well, here’s one for the record books! After trying to get the mechanic here, since the first of July to look at the bilge pumps, I found a local guy that does marine electrical work. Turns out the reason the bilge pumps have been running for over a month is there was a piece of plastic wire  connector underneath the engine compartment float causing them to be on. After some basic probing he looks in there and there was the connector. Both pumps were replaced in March and thankfully they survived.  Thanks for your help everyone!
    Ken Walker 2004 342 Fiesta Vee
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