"Eisboch" wrote in message
...

"kyle" wrote in message
oups.com...
thanks for all of the responses!!

i can describe the symptoms a little better as i got out last night and
started tinkering...

when i connect the bilge pump to the battery, it emits a low humming
noise. when i put the key in the ignition and turn on the manual bilge
pump, it emits a loud humming noise. when i flip the manual bilge pump
switch off, the low humming noise remains... there is no water by the
pump, either...

what do you guys think?


There are different types of bilge pumps. The most common type uses
either an internal float switch or is used in conjunction with an
externally mounted float switch. If you have this type, my guess is your
float switch is bad (shorted or stuck)

Another type works on an internal timer and load sensing circuit. It
turns on automatically every so often, runs for a bit and senses how much
current it is drawing. If there is no water and therefore no load, it
shuts off until the next timed cycle. If there is water, the motor draws
a bit more current and it continues to run until the current drops below
the setpoint.

If I were you I would invest in a new bilge pump and float of the former
type. I don't care for the automatic, timed ones.

Eisboch

Something hinkey is going on. I suspect that some other device is wired in
series with the pump.
I do like the automatic ones because they can suck more water out of the
bilge and you don't need a float switch. Ideally, if there is room, I would
install a second, larger, conventional pump with a float switch and manual
override. Redundancy is good!
Jim