Bilge pump on the R21 (Simple to service it)

[K7MXE]

While working on other things I decided to check out the bilge pump on my R21EC. Easy to get at and it did need some repair. First after lifting the lid and rigging a light is to remove it. Two tabs on each side will free the Rule 500 from the boat. Wow look at all that gunk after lifting it up. Remove the hose with a screwdriver. Mark the wires and cut them or work in place. Two Philips screws takes it apart. Where did all that gunk come from? No wonder the thing would stick on once in a while. Boats in the water will have to wait but trailer boats now need the sand, leaves and needles washed down the keel drain. Simple to reverse the removal process and like me you will be surprised at how much stuff was in the pump. Note the switch part is marked so you will put it back correctly (This end down). There are three wires. One to fuse and battery, one goes up forward to the bilge switch and the other is ground. That's it except for blowing out the overboard line with water. Recommend this be on the seasonal checklist.

Bob Heselberg in Eatonville Wa

 

[captain's cat]

Have similar pumps on my TC255 but RULE 1100's. Mine are difficult to reach but have long enough wires to bring up out of each sponson (about 2 1/2' down) to work on. One thing you've got to be careful of is the "automatic function" When out of the base bracket, tipping it can cause it to turn on. That little rubber impeller is sharp.. Don't ask me how I know that! :roll:

 

[K7MXE]

I forgot to say to pull that fuse which I had already done. The switch in the house also has the fuse pulled because its real easy to turn on the pump by mistake so I just pulled the fuse and have it handy if I need it. I know about fans as the cooling fan in the hydro stat lawnmower got me once while adjusting it and it did smart. Bob H

 

[captain's cat]

AHA, the fuse.... I knew I forgot something!! 😳