Failed Float Switch

[Bobby P.]

I have a 2017 Ranger 31 CB.

I just got a call from the marina where my boat is being bottom painted. They said that they came today (the boat is on the hard) and the sump pump was running. They said they cut the wire and that the float sensor is bad. Is this a part that I can get locally at a West marine? Anyone have a part number?

Thanks,
Bobby

 

[bob daily]

Bobby
Depending on which bilge pump you have as to the part you will need, most marine suppliers carry a large selection of pumps and sensors. They are available on line Amazon has a good selection.
They are cheep usually less than $25 - $50 depending on the supplier and Mark up.
Keeping the bilge clean and free of foreign objects and grease / oil will prolong the life of the next unit.
Bilge party time! Bob

 

[Bosn Mate]

Bobby:

I had a major failure with the shower sump float switch becoming stuck and staying on all night. I found out that this was a common occurrence which led me to conducting lots of research on how to prevent this from happening in the future.

Based on my research, I replaced the Rule shower sump with a Five Oceans Shower Sump System Pump. It had great reviews and I especially liked that the pump has a built-in float switch vice an external one. To date, I have had ZERO problems.

Hopefully I have found a long-term solution but, just in case, I pull the shower sump fuse when not in use.

Mike

 

[1Harrison]

Bobby,

Been there, only was fortunate enough to have the float stick while I was on the boat. First there was no need to cut the wire because if you manually turn the pump on then off at the switch it turns the pump off. However to the cause. In my case and I believe this is common, Volvo paints most everything on the engine including the hoses. Over time as the hoses expand and contract the paint starts to chip falling into the bilge. These paint chips are very efficient at fouling the float. Periodically take a hose and spray directly on the float. The pump will remove these chips overboard along with most other small debris. Also a spoon full of dish detergent and a good bilge wash down helps. As for your existing float try the above before replacing, there is a good chance it is just fine.

 

[Bobby P.]

Thanks all for the replies.

I have a hard time believing that they cut the wire too, without even a phone call to me.

Here is the part number and west marine link, should anyone need to replace one themselves.

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/rule-ind ... h--8247124

Thanks again, Bobby

 

[Bobby P.]

Thanks again for the advice. I spliced the wire back together, flooded the bilge pump several times, and VIOLA!, the pump and switch work perfectly.

Not thrilled with this marina (In Maryland). They have two stikes from me, one of which I'll discuss in another post.

Bobby