OK, I have a Rule-Mate 750 (the biggest pump I could get that would connect
to my existing 3/4" hose), It has an enclosed float switch; I think it has
three wires: black, brown, brown/white. I have a West Marine Three-Way Panel
Switch with fuse. I think I may have to remove the pump housing from the
base, which is screwed to the deck, to manually check the operation of the
float.
I'll probably go to West Marine tomorrow and check one out on the shelf.

"RLM" wrote in message
...
On Wednesday 20 December 2006 11:54 pm Bill Andersen wrote:

How can I test the automatic function of my bilge pump/switch?
I installed a 750 GPM West Marine bilge pump conrolled by an
Automatic/Off/Manual switch.
The pump works in the Manual position. How can I check it in the
Automatic
position?
I didn't wire the Automatic function correctly the first time: I flooded
the bilge at the wash rack (trailered boat) and the pump didn't work,
even
though the switch was in Automatic. I selected Manual and it drained the
bilge quickly.
I really don't want to have to trailer it to the wash rack and flood the
bilge again if I don't have to.

Watch wrap of links. You may have to copy and paste to a browser.

If this is the pump you bought, it does not have a built in automatic
float
feature to turn it on. This was the only 750 GPM unit I saw listed.
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...allpartial/0/0



You will need a float switch such as this to sense the water level in the
bilge. The float switch is placed in series between the automatic side of
the switch and the pump. Then you will have the automatic operation.
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...allpartial/0/0