Bilge Pump

[nofd843]

I have a 2020 210 FSH Deluxe, I am trying to decipher the Bilge Pump. I keep hearing the bilge pumps are not auto, but only work if you turn them on, however I am confused. The wiring for the bilge pump is three wire, Brown (Auto), BrownWhite (manual) and Black (ground). The brown wire is ran to a fuse and then to the battery, the brownwhite wire is ran to the switch on the dash. The black is obviously to the ground. With all of this said shouldn't the pump operate when there is water in the bilge? What am I missing? Thanks

 

[SgtBFGunner]

The bilge pump will (should) turn on by itself once water level in the bilge gets to a certain point. That is with the bilge switch off and even with the house and start batteries switched off. I didn't trust it at first either, but it works. I was flushing the hull of salt water one time and the bilge kicked on, like it should, even though everything was off. There is still power going to the switching at the batteries, you should see a little indicator light there at all times. That is my experience anyway with a 2018 190 FSH Sport.

 

[nofd843]

Thanks for the reply, I am going to go experiment today, just I have heard so many things saying to leave the pump running while using the boat... made me believe it was not an automatic system, like many of my other vessels have been.

 

[SgtBFGunner]

There's also a "touch" test sensor on the side of the pump itself. Swipe you finger on it (first you have to find it) and it will (should) run with the batteries off.
Good luck!

 

[nofd843]

Didn’t find the sensor, but I did get the pump to come on... just took a little more water than expected. So... I feel better knowing it is a true auto pump.

 

[Liveto99]

Didn’t find the sensor, but I did get the pump to come on... just took a little more water than expected. So... I feel better knowing it is a true auto pump.

Same here I tested it.

 

[SgtBFGunner]

Test switch is on the bilge pump itself, kind of where the bottom meets the body of the pump. You'd have to feel for it. It's not sticking out, it's more like a flat pressure sensor. There was an addendum to my owners manual (2018). Sold the boat, so I can't look it up.
It's works, so you're all set!

 

[Nexus]

just I have heard so many things saying to leave the pump running while using the boat...

I don't know if I'd do that. If the pump is running continuously dry, I think you run the risk of burning out the motor. I can't speak for Yammies, but my Scarab's pump turns on automatically regardless of bilge or master switch position.