Bilge pump running continuously

[OldSailor41]

A couple times recently I have found one of the bilge pumps on my 2014 Ranger 31S running. The manual switch was not on, but the bilge pump #1 light on the DC panel was on. The bilge was dry but the pump continued running. I turned the switch on and off and then it stopped. Could this be a dirty sensor or something like that? What advice would you give me?

 

[Wee Venture]

I had the same problem, as have others. Here is the thread:
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=13285&hilit=+Bilge+pump

Cleaning the sensors should do it.

John

 

[JamesC28]

Had the same thing this weekend. I just used a hose and sprayed off the sensor and cleaned out the bilge. Worked like a charm.

 

[dmecimore]

Having a similar problem with my Ranger 23. The aft bilge pump (with the switch in the cockpit) runs all the time. Only way to stop is to flip the breaker or unhook the battery cable.

Can anyone help me find the automatic bilge pump switch to clean it? Where is this located?

Thanks!

 

[nzfisher]

I don’t know if my boat has the same sensor on bilge as it is older but, every time I have it out of the water I slowly pour 5 gallons of hot sudsy water into the bilge which cleans out both the check valve and the sensors (assuming it has sensors and not a float switch). After 10 years bilge pump still working strong. Might work for you as well. Simple and cheap.

 

[OldSailor41]

Thanks everyone. I cleaned the sensors and it seemed to take care of the problem.