Forward bilge float switch

L

Les Bryant

New Member
Jul 7, 2014
5
Miamisburg, Ohio
Boat Info
Sea Ray 260 Sundancer
Engines
Mercruiser
After getting the cabin carpet wet with water (In front of the steps) during a hard rain I inspected the bilge area directly under the steps where the forward bilge pump is located. I noticed that the bilge pump float switch doesn't activate before the water gets deep enough to start wicking into the carpet of cabin. Has anyone else experienced this and is there a replacement for this float switch that wont allow as much water to enter the bilge area before activating the pump? Any info will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
LWB
 
maybe a pump with the auto sensor in it might help. other than that lowering the float switch
 
Model year?

However, rain water should not be entering the cabin. I would focus on finding the leak.
 
Does your model year have only the bilge pump inside the sump box, or does it also have one outside the box?

But... rainwater should NOT be getting to that area unless there is a leak. However, float switches can get gunked up and not function properly or they can get water logged with the same result. You don't need a different style of switch. You just need to check out why the current one isn't turning the pump on sooner and either fix or replace. But again, find the source of the leak - that area should be dry.
 
It is a 2008 Sundancer 260. It has both the pump in the box as well as one outside of it. Its the one on the outside that isn't engaging quick enough to keep the water from getting up to the carpet. I will try replacing the current switch and see if that gets the pump to come on sooner. I tried to locate the leak and was unable to do so. I will investigate that more when I get back to the boat.
Thanks!
 
Bigger issue is why you have water there in the first place. Water should not be there. Trace back to where that water comes from and go from there.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
 
Now, did you physically verify that the float switch isn't activating the pump soon enough, or is that an assumption. IF an assumption, there could be an issue with the pump, instead - broken "impeller" or a clog in the system.

Leaks can be a pain in the butt to find - but there are LOT'S of threads on this forum about this issue and with a little searching, I'm sure you'll find plenty of info. I've read and responded in quite a few so I know there is detailed info already written. To start with, though, check your head window.
 
I took the switch out and tested it. It has to float almost all the way open before it will activate the pump. I checked the pump (impeller) and it looks to be in good working order. I will search further for the leaking point.
Thank you!
 
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