Bilge pump question

[btoups1122]

I own a 2002 Triumph 186 Bay and I'm having trouble with my bilge pump. The pump is a Rule Platinum 500 that came with the boat. When I switch the pump on from the console, it turns on for a second, then it shuts off. If I remove it from its housing and hold in the air and turn it on, it keeps running, but as soon as I place it in the water it shuts off. I know that these pumps are automatic and cycle in order to sense the presence of water in the bilge, but when water is present is shuts off. I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem and if so, do I need a new pump or is it something else that could be fixed. I bought the boat used so I don't have any type of manual for the pump.

Thank you in advance
Benji

[MolarBoater]

On my 2002 190 Bay, the Rule 500 bilge pump has a continuous ON and an Automatic ON position. You have only two options as long as the boat batteries are switched ON. Considering what goes thru the bilge pumps when we wash and clean the boats (esp bleach and degreasers)as well as anything else, it would be warranted to replace with a new one. I am considering buying a spare as well since at last use, my 2002 bilge worked properly. If you are concerned about water filling up the bilge and want some kind of warning, you may want to install a piezo buzzer (RadioShack) on a separate float switch in the bilge above the bilge pump. That way if it stops up or quits, you have an early warning.
Lastly, I have seen a manual bilge pump that installs in the floor of the boat with a fold out foot lever which would also make a great back up......if you loose power or if the bilge clogs and you cannot fix it or replace it due to too much water in the transom....been there too! This could potentually be used to "back flush" the bilge thru hull port which would had taken care of my problem.

[Steve9256]

God what a shock when last week on 17 CC my bilge pump started failing and we were actually overflowing livewell. Turn off live well, Pull battery out of hold and try to get pump cleared. We were 5 miles out in 3-4' Whitecaps. Water was 6" deep in Rear, drain Livewell and head in pump working sporatically. Made it as pump was good enough as long as livewell was not overflowing. Upon getting home and pulling pump found cple pieces 30- 50 lb. Mono in pump,and some other stuff,leaves plastic baggies etc around pump. And time after time I tell people dont throw cut line on deck etc. goes below. Now have 18" manuel pump and added another bilge.