Is it normal for my bilge pump to cycle on and off every few minutes?

ChrisLISound

ChrisLISound

New Member
Oct 1, 2022
3
Boat Info
2001 260DA
Engines
454 Merc
We noticed it when we were on the water, but didn't think too much about it. We just pulled the boat and now that she's high and dry, it continues to cycle on and off every 3-5 minutes. Is this a Sea Ray thing? My other boat's bilge only went on when the float set it off (or I switched it on).
TIA
Chris
 
ChrisLISound said:
We noticed it when we were on the water, but didn't think too much about it. We just pulled the boat and now that she's high and dry, it continues to cycle on and off every 3-5 minutes. Is this a Sea Ray thing? My other boat's bilge only went on when the float set it off (or I switched it on).
TIA
Chris
Click to expand...
It is not a Sea Ray thing. Either there is water getting into the bilge or something is wrong with the pump/float switch. Since it is happening on the hard if there is water getting into the bilge, it would most likely be the fresh water tank leaking.
 
IDK - There is no water - no leak. Previous owner claims it is normal for this pump.
 
ChrisLISound said:
IDK - There is no water - no leak. Previous owner claims it is normal for this pump.
Click to expand...

Definitely not normal. Occasionally water will get in but not on a regular basis. I would look for water intrusion sources especially at the transom and around pumps.

-Kevin
 
Not normal. You either have a bad float switch or a water intrusion issue, either of which should be investigated and remedied sooner rather than layer
 
Golfman25 said:
What he said. There are pumps that turn on and sense for water and then turn off. I’d replace with a normal one.
Click to expand...
I have one in my boat that doesn’t have a float switch. Same thing your describing. It comes on for about a second every few minutes.
 
I think your check valve has failed.

It pumps the water best it can then the water in hose slowly leaks back. The check valve will prevent this.
 
A simple picture will confirm it. It sounds like an "automatic" Rule pump which is designed for tight spaces. They will drive you crazy if you sleep on your boat.
 
There are different kinds of "auto" pumps - some only turn on when they sense water (or the float rises) while others do that 1-second "check" and actually run for that 1-second every few minutes as others have said. It sounds like you have the latter. As noted, it's normal. But google for the brand/model if you want to confirm.

As a side note, this is not the one that Sea Ray originally installed (or at least I don't recall it being used back then) - but that's really of no consequence at this point.

If it starts to bother you, just switch it out to a different style. The plus here is that your bilge is very friendly to work in. Many boats are much, MUCH tighter. This boat's bilge is a pleasure to work in.
 
Normal and there should be a 3 position switch at the helm for manual, off and standby.
 
Lazy Daze said:
There are different kinds of "auto" pumps - some only turn on when they sense water (or the float rises) while others do that 1-second "check" and actually run for that 1-second every few minutes as others have said. It sounds like you have the latter. As noted, it's normal. But google for the brand/model if you want to confirm.

As a side note, this is not the one that Sea Ray originally installed (or at least I don't recall it being used back then) - but that's really of no consequence at this point.

If it starts to bother you, just switch it out to a different style. The plus here is that your bilge is very friendly to work in. Many boats are much, MUCH tighter. This boat's bilge is a pleasure to work in.
Click to expand...
That would drive me nuts...
 
scoflaw said:
That's why you use the 3 position switch
Click to expand...
For me, though, I wouldn't want an "off" position. If I was sleeping on the boat, I'd want power going to it all night... but I wouldn't want to hear that little buzzzz every couple of minutes. Who knows, maybe I'd get used to it.
 
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