Bilge pump sensors

[knotflying]

I check mine on a regular basis. Just discovered another one is not operating. Anyone else have issues with these. Seems rather scary that when you might need them they may not work. Fortunately this one is the higher one. When I get back from my small trip I will have to replace it. Ugh!!

 

[Dale777]

I check mine on a regular basis. Just discovered another one is not operating. Anyone else have issues with these. Seems rather scary that when you might need them they may not work. Fortunately this one is the higher one. When I get back from my small trip I will have to replace it. Ugh!!

Mike,

I've had to replace both upper and lower sensors about 2 months apart last year when the boat was only 1-1/2 years old. The alarm sensor has not failed yet. I would like to know why they fail so soon and often on such a critical safety item. Anyone know why?

 

[PhilR]

My upper one is not working....couldn't run antifreeze thru it last fall. Lower one has been reliable. I don't leave seacocks open when away from the boat, and my yacht club keeps a close eye on things so I don't worry.

 

[LADYBUG TOO]

I am assuming you have the electronic sensors. We changed to conventional Rule, non-mercury, float switches. The Rule mounting base plate has release tabs so you can remove the float without having to unscrew the base. The aft installation was a little tight so we reversed the Johnson pump and its discharge now curls aft and then up to the check valve. The Rule switch is just forward of the pump housing. The Rule switches have been in for the last four years with no failures. Not even the lightening strike bothered them. The electronic sensors tend to fail with the slightest bit of oil in the bilge. Oil always finds it way into the bilge no matter how clean you try to keep things.

 

[knotflying]

My upper one is not working....couldn't run antifreeze thru it last fall. Lower one has been reliable. I don't leave seacocks open when away from the boat, and my yacht club keeps a close eye on things so I don't worry.

Phil,
On the upper bilge pump without the check valve I pump the antifreeze into the thruhull opening until it comes out of the pump.

 

[knotflying]

IThe electronic sensors tend to fail with the slightest bit of oil in the bilge. Oil always finds it way into the bilge no matter how clean you try to keep things.

I am talking complete failure. As a matter of periodic maintenance I clean the sensor and test it with my fingertips applied to the little circles to be sure it is functioning. This one, as with two others won't work even after cleaning and I know of a few other boats that have also had failed sensors.
It is important to periodically check them. I think at this juncture I will replace them with the Rule float and have peace of mind. A non- working bilge pump can make for a bad day.
Think about it, if the lower pump goes out and then the upper one is not working and you are not at the boat, you have lost your engine.
Remember also, the bilge filling does not necessarily happen from a broken line it can happen if your cockpit drains get clogged or if they can't handle the water load coming into the cockpit.