R21-EC Bilge Pump Problem

[Emcourt]

On August 31 of last year Bob Heselberg wrote:

While working on other things I decided to check out the bilge pump on my R21EC. Easy to get at and it did need some repair. First after lifting the lid and rigging a light is to remove it. Two tabs on each side will free the Rule 500 from the boat.

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Okay, here's my problem. I cannot reach the pump. Best I can do is to get my fingers just to the top of the pump housing and I haven't yet been able to figure out how to get to the base of the housing where there are supposed to be clips. I am a big, not too agile person and I am also dealing with a torn rotator cuff in my left shoulder.....so I can't seem to get around the engine box and far enough down through the tiny deck lid. Any ideas or suggestions would be most appreciated.

Best,
Norm Saunders
Cambridge, MD

 

[abcandjrc]

Any teenage kids in the neighborhood or near where you keep the boat? If you can find one who can understand and follow instructions, it is a pretty easy job and maybe a fiver or so would get the job done for you.

The trickiest part is getting the screen in place and snapping the unit back on the base. Depending on your problem all you may need to do is clear the screen and base of debris. We get a lot of leaves and small tree flowers in ours and a simple cleaning has worked for us.

 

[Blue Healer]

Remove engine cover by removing hinge pins.
Disconnect and remove batteries making sure you mark all direct connections to batteries to avoid confusion when reconnecting them.
Remove battery tray.
Unscrew and remove panel supporting the batteries.
You should now have sufficient access (just) to service the bilge pump.
Take this opportunity to check battery electrolyte level.
Reassemble and test bilge pump.
Have a beer - you deserve it.

Cheers
Graham

 

[Emcourt]

Thanks, Graham, removing the engine cover was going to be my next try and I was sort of thinking about the batteries as well. Yes, first I'm gonna stock the fridge with a 6 pack...grin.

Norm