R29S bilge pump replacement

[trailertrawlerkismet]

The rear bilge pump in our R29S, 2 years old, only works from the manual dash toggle. It will not come on if I put water in the bilge or if I put my fingers on the 2 activation circles. I’ve taken the motor from the housing n there are no obstructions n I’ve cleaned the sensor....repeatedly with no satisfaction. Has anyone replaced this bilge pump with something more reliable? Please share your thoughts. By the way the front bilge works just fine, as well as the high water alarm. I tested when the rear bilge stopped working automatically.

Jim F

 

[Matty]

Do you currently have the Rule automatic or is it a float switch?
I think the automatic wiring is separate from the manual switch for safety feature. There is a separate fuse as well on my R27.
Since it works manually i would check the wiring and fuse before relacing.

 

[Bosn Mate]

Jim:

I am waiting for the aft bilge pump to die and then replace it the same way I did for the forward bilge pump.

For the forward bilge pump, I replaced the failed pump with a Rule non-automatic pump; this allowed use of the same pump housing. I then installed an Ultra Junior bilge pump switch.

The only difference is that I will use an Ultra Mini with the aft bilge pump due to space limitations.

The bilge pump switch is a big weakness and the Ultra switches are almost bulletproof.

Hope this helps!

Mike

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Matty: Silly me for not checking the fuse. I did check it n it was burned out. I’ve replaced and will water bucket test the pump. I’m still concerned, maybe overly so, and not completely confident in the pump based on my experience n others who have posted. With that said if I do decide to replace it has anyone done so and if so with what pump?
Thanks again Matty.

Jim F

 

[ixlr8]

Matty: Silly me for not checking the fuse. I did check it n it was burned out.

Jim F

My questions would be, "Why did the fuse burn out??" "When will it burn out again??"

 

[Matty]

to be honest I have replaced one as well. I believe it may have been due to some filings and shavings that got caught up in it.But who knows. This could cause a fuse to blow. In my case the impeller would not move. I replaced with the same one which meant I did not have to replace the base unit. I happen to like it but realize others do not like the every 2 minute check. Given we have two automatic ones and one float I feel pretty safe. I keep a spare as well.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

With the fuse replaced I poured water in the bilge and pump came on and pumped water overboard but it would not turn off automatically. It did turn off thou when I turn the dash toggle on and then off.

Jim F

 

[Matty]

Sent a PM to you.

 

[knotflying]

Jim,
I found that you have to keep that sensor well cleaned. A little grime and it either won't work or it won't shut off. I also found that not slipping it all the way down helps. I think that it is a bit too low and hence water never draining completely keeps it running. The slightly higher position seems to make a difference for me. I also replaced the forward sensor with the rule 35A https://www.amazon.com/Rule-35A-Mat...argid=aud-801381245258:pla-438933422866&psc=1

If and when my rear sensor goes I will swap this out to replace it.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Thank you for all the tips. Mike....do I understand that you replaced the black 2 point sensor with the Rule 35A but left the pump/housing in place?

Jim F

 

[knotflying]

Thank you for all the tips. Mike....do I understand that you replaced the black 2 point sensor with the Rule 35A but left the pump/housing in place?

Jim F

Yes

 

[Hydraulicjump]

Jim, I have exactly the same problem on my 29CB, I think. If I accelerate and all the bilge water slides onto the sensor for the bilge pump it nicely starts up and pumps everything out, but won't shut off unless I toggle the switch on the dash. It is not clear to me why toggling the switch back and forth causes the sensor to reset, but it does. It is also very annoying.

Several days ago I got into the bilge and gave everything a good freshwater cleaning, including using cleaning solution on the bilge sensor. I did notice some grease on the sensor, or perhaps some hydraulic fluid sticking to it (we just purged our hydraulic lines). For the time being, this took care of the problem and the sensor performed normally.

Still, if you are willing to stand on your head to replace this thing (you will find it damned hard to get a drill bit in there to screw it down...) go for it. I don't like these bilge pumps and their sensors are fluky.

Jeff