Bilge Pump Actuator Switch Question

Bobby P.

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 17, 2018
Messages
440
Fluid Motion Model
C-302 SC
Non-Fluid Motion Model
Boston Whaler
Vessel Name
The Retreat
This question is about my stern bilge pump that sits under the packing gland.

I was fiddling around with trying to adjust the packing gland and decided to reach down and check the bilge pump and actuator switch. When I touched the actuator switch it came loose in my hand. I cannot seem to figure out how it might clip back into place.

Does it clip into place? Is there a screw that has come loose that should hold it in? I'm pretty sure it doesn't just sit there. Also there is almost no room to manipulate it much, so before i continue driving myself crazy I thought I'd check with the greater body of knowledge.

Thanks,
Bobby
 
Bobby,

You did nothing wrong assuming you have the Johnson Ultima Switch. The switch has a small slot on the base that fits on a bracket with a small rectangular pin and the switch lifts out easily. Clean it off while you have it out and just slide it back on the pin vertically on the bow side of the pump with the long flat side facing towards the bow and you are good. No screw. Once you have it in place the pin it should hold side to side firmly and vertically with just a small force from a detent.

The seller below has a a photo of the back of the switch with the slot at the bottom. Look at the back side photo.

https://www.svb24.com/en/johnson-pump-ultima-switch-electronic-float-switch.html

Curt
 
If you have the Johnson pump sending unit with the two circles for auto activation this is the installation.Installation
The UltimaSwitchTM is designed to attach to all Johnson Pump bilge pumps. Just snap in on the T-slot on the base of the pump. When using it with other pump brands, or when installing the switch stand alone please follow these instructions:
• Mount the UltimaSwitchTM in a vertical position (mount holes towards the bottom of the vessel), and close to the pump, such that the water level is equal on both pump and the UltimaSwitchTM.
• Do not screw the UltimaSwitchTM directly to the hull of the boat. Either glue the switch to the hull or use a mount- ing block of marine plywood epoxy glued to the bottom of the hull to fasten the UltimaSwitchTM.
 
If the clip is snapped off, then use two zip ties wrapped around the pump to hold the switch in place. That is what I had to do two days ago. Works fine. Make sure you have the two arrows on the switch pointing downward.
 
You will see an earlier post where Kismet broke the flange off that holds the actuator. It is quite easy to do. It is also quite the PITA to deal with (although I like the zip tie solution). If you have broken this off, you will have to replace the bracket that holds the pump and actuator. And on our boat, that requires a teenager with long, thin arms to install. Get one (the teenager). Mine have turned into adults and refuse bilge work.
 
Zip tie solution! Works perfectly.
Thanks.
Bobby
 
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