Bilge pump whine

[baz]

The bilge is pretty darn dry in our R25. I notice that when flipping the bilge pump circuit breakers on the bilge pumps whine. Is this normal as there's no water for them to pump out. I'm assuming enabling the bilge pump circuit breaker switch will then provide power to the pumps to be used ONLY when there's something for them to do -- so why should they whine ?

Advice needed. Thanks.... 🙂

 

[j&lgray]

The Laurie Ann's two bilge pumps do make a noise when they are running, wet or dry, probably because these are 12 volt motors that are not insulated or mounted for sound-deadening. I believe that what you are hearing is normal and expected.

Using the circuit breaker switch will turn on the bilge pump and bypass the automatic float switch. This is handy to do when needed. Just be sure to flip it off. The bilge pump is wired to the batteries and will run automatically when needed. I hope this has been helpful.

 

[baz]

Thanks -- yes that was helpful. 🙂

So I understand I do not need to have the bilge pump circuit breakers enabled as the pumps will in fact activate automatically if there's something for them to do. Great, and what I would have expected as a sensible design. 🙂

 

[doke01]

They whine because there is nothing there to slow them down (water) so they run at their top RPM. Just like a fan on high makes more noise then when on low. Also, there is no water to absorb the noise they produce. It is normal.

 

[wefings]

The breaker is equivalent to the "manual " setting on a bilge pump switch panel . Its a good way to test the pumps function when the bilge is dry . The float [automatic] switch is wired direct to the battery . It has to be submerged for the pump to kick on . The breaker supplies a second source of power for the pump in case the float switch fails . There is a high water alarm in the boat as well if it is a newer tug . If that alarm goes off, the bilge pump is not working automatically or is overwhelmed . Its a good time to know your seacock locations and manual float switch breakers !If the pumps don't make noise ,you need to check why .Hope that helps .
Marc

 

[commander bill]

Does anyone know when the high water alarm was added to the R25? I do not think mine (2008 model, hull #67) has the alarm. In fact I added an alarm and bilge pump counter.

 

[Andrew Custis]

The high bilge alarm was added in or around the 2009 model year change.

 

[Levitation]

Levitation, serial #10, built in June 08 for the 09 model run has the alarm (but no cycle counter, darn)

 

[commander bill]

My R25 has developed a problem that may be related to yours. My forward bilge pump developed a continious whine similar to what I had previously experienced only not it will not stop (on those occasions flushing area would stop whine). Problem is limited to forward pump as auto & manual operation of primary (aft) bilge pump is not affected). Upon troubleshooting I determined that I can still start & stop the bilge pump with the manual switch. I tried flushing the area with no positive results. It appears the whine is not the actual pump operating since when started manually the pump operates normally & has a different sound (louder & beyond hte whine). My boat has the new sealed type level sensers. I believe these are ultrasonic and I suspect the semsor may have failed and turned into a noise maker. I could not locate a fuse but lifted the wire to the auto function and the whine stopped. Bilge pump will still work manually. It is so difficult to get tothis area that I may need to delay repairs until after I pull boat at end of season.