bilge pump not working

[MikeAndLorena]

We had an episode of water flooding into our bilge and the bilge pump wasn't working. We were able to stop the in-flow, then spent about an hour bailing. Discovered later that one wire to the bilge pump was broken. We replaced the wire and it worked fine. Two weeks earlier the pump had worked fine after hosing down the cockpit. Then we had some engine maintenance done, and we had to step into the engine compartment daily to check oil and clean sea strainer. I assume that either during the engine work or the daily check the wire had gotten stepped on and broken.
Is there a simple way to test the bilge pump daily?
Is there a way to better protect the wires?
We have a 2007 R25.

 

[doke01]

I have a 2007 R-25 too. The wire broke for us also a few years ago but was easily fixed. I periodically turn on the breaker switch in the cabin to make sure the pump runs (It does not disable the pump when it is off but lets you manually turn in on and off. This has caused some confusion in others in the past.). I will also periodically use a hose and spray water directly into the bilge to make sure the pump comes on. We have had a few instances where leaves blow into the engine compartment and make their way to the bilge and block up the switch and one case about 4 years ago where the pump completely failed. If your wires are not already protected, use this: http://www.elecdirect.com/catalog/tubing-loom-spiral-wrap/split-loom-tubing. Very easy to put in place without cutting any wires.

What kind of engine to you have? Mine is a Yanmar 125HP. It would be great to discuss you experiences with you 2007 and compare them to mine.

 

[knotflying]

If you have the sensor type, there are two embossed circles on the case, one over the other. Touch those with two fingers and the pump should go on. Keep in mind that the pump actually has two circuits. One is for the sensor circuit and is always powered and the other is you manual switch on the cabin panel. The sensor circuit is powered before the battery switches and is protected by an in line fuse.
The sensors can burn out, so constant testing is advised. You should also remove the pump cartridge regularly and make sure the impeller is clear of hair lint and debris so that it is pumping at full capacity.

 

[MikeAndLorena]

I have a 2007 R-25 too. The wire broke for us also a few years ago but was easily fixed. I periodically turn on the breaker switch in the cabin to make sure the pump runs (It does not disable the pump when it is off but lets you manually turn in on and off. This has caused some confusion in others in the past.). I will also periodically use a hose and spray water directly into the bilge to make sure the pump comes on. We have had a few instances where leaves blow into the engine compartment and make their way to the bilge and block up the switch and one case about 4 years ago where the pump completely failed. If your wires are not already protected, use this: http://www.elecdirect.com/catalog/tubing-loom-spiral-wrap/split-loom-tubing. Very easy to put in place without cutting any wires.

What kind of engine to you have? Mine is a Yanmar 125HP. It would be great to discuss you experiences with you 2007 and compare them to mine.

We also have a Yanmar 125. Do you find it challenging stepping into and out of the engine compartment when checking oil and sea strainer?