R-21 EC bilge query

[r67boxer]

The bilge on our 2007 runs continuously when the console toggle is switched on. Shouldn't it be automatic? That is, only run when it detects water above a certain level in the bilge?

 

[lproulx]

No, the purpose of the switch it to be able to run the pump manually. Maybe if you want to get the last little bit of water out of the bilge below the level the pump does automatically. The automatic function is connected directly to a battery and works regardless of weather the console switch is turned on.

Larry

 

[bikeandboat]

Iproulx is correct. The switch is strictly to turn the bilge pump on directly. The automatic function can be wired to either battery and will probably have a fuse holder within a few inches of the battery post. I had to get familiar with this wiring because I recently installed a second bilge pump to operate completely independent of the original pump. My r21EC is a 2008 model.

 

[bikeandboat]

Iproulx is correct. The switch is strictly to turn the bilge pump on directly. The automatic function can be wired to either battery and will probably have a fuse holder within a few inches of the battery post. I had to get familiar with this wiring because I recently installed a second bilge pump to operate completely independent of the original pump. My r21EC is a 2008 model.

 

[r67boxer]

Thanks to both of you. Much appreciated.

Kevin

 

[lproulx]

Great (or not so great) minds think alike. I too have installed a second independent pump with a conventional float switch activator. I put it in the space under the access plate just aft of the cabin door. The factory pump has one of those electronic sensors of some kind that I don't trust too much. Furthermore, the pump is in a godawful inaccessible location and I can't even figure out how to remove it to clean the sensor buttons off. It's easy to reach down through the opening to the new pump and lift the float up and down and make sure everything works.

Larry

 

[r67boxer]

Great (or not so great) minds think alike. I too have installed a second independent pump with a conventional float switch activator. I put it in the space under the access plate just aft of the cabin door. The factory pump has one of those electronic sensors of some kind that I don't trust too much. Furthermore, the pump is in a godawful inaccessible location and I can't even figure out how to remove it to clean the sensor buttons off. It's easy to reach down through the opening to the new pump and lift the float up and down and make sure everything works.

Larry

Thanks Larry. Would it be possible for you to take a photo of it in place? Also, I am assuming that you wired it directly to the battery? Kevin

 

[bob daily]

If you look at your Bilge pump, it has 3 wires going to it, one is ground and two hot, one hot wire is from the switch at the helm the second hot wire is directly from the battery and goes to the auto switch at the pump and is fused in line usually at the battery. A good wiring diagram for pump installation can be found on the web or with the installation instructions with a new pump. Hope this helps. Bob

 

[r67boxer]

If you look at your Bilge pump, it has 3 wires going to it, one is ground and two hot, one hot wire is from the switch at the helm the second hot wire is directly from the battery and goes to the auto switch at the pump and is fused in line usually at the battery. A good wiring diagram for pump installation can be found on the web or with the installation instructions with a new pump. Hope this helps. Bob

Thanks Bob. I'll look into another bilge pump next time I'm off island. Kevin.