Check to see if your auto bilge is working

[CraigAR]

This past weekend we were caught in a rainstorm (heavy rain swfl) and luckily were near a bar/restaurant to wait it out. When the rain stopped we headed back to the boat and proceeded down the long no wake canal. Once out of the slow speed I gave it some throttle and noticed the boat would not plane. Slowed down to check the engine compartment and sure enough there was water to the bottom of the engines. I turned on the bilge and it pumped out within 30 secs. I know for a fact that the auto bilge was turned on because the button was highlighted in blue. Blue is auto and green is manual, 17' Ar240. I did not open the boat up after that because it was dark out already. The next day I flushed the motors and both were idling in normal range but the port engine sounded a little bit louder. Checked oil and everything and did not see any problems. Will know more after I take it out this weekend. The moral of the story is always check and make sure your bilge is working. I still need to look at mine.

 

[Julian]

When did Yamaha begin putting in float switch bilges in? Must be 2017 as my 2016 has a back pressure bilge pump....

 

[MidnightRider]

When did Yamaha begin putting in float switch bilges in? Must be 2017 as my 2016 has a back pressure bilge pump....

I know my '17 has the 'auto cycle / back pressure' switch in it.

 

[Julian]

I know my '17 has the 'auto cycle / back pressure' switch in it.

If that is the case then perhaps @CraigAR also has a back pressure bilge pump and the pressure sensing isn't working???? Probably need to check that!

 

[Jameson Clark]

My '17 also has the auto cycle type.

 

[CraigAR]

Yes I will edit this post. I just pulled up the service manual and when auto is selected it is suppose to cycle every 2 minutes. Apparently mine is not working.

 

[Weeb]

My bilge indicator turns on to blue by itself a lot but if you go into the systems screen the little icon is not on. I wonder if this has something to do with why it didn’t pump.

 

[MidnightRider]

My bilge indicator turns on to blue by itself a lot but if you go into the systems screen the little icon is not on. I wonder if this has something to do with why it didn’t pump.

Yes I've noticed that as well, however I've also noticed that auto cycles even when that icon isn't showing so I think the issue is a user interface issue and just the icon doesn't always show when it should.

 

[the MfM]

Cheap and easy to add a second bilge pump with a float switch wired directly to the battery with an inline fuse. First mod I’ve done to any boat I’ve had.

 

[swatski]

Cheap and easy to add a second bilge pump with a float switch wired directly to the battery with an inline fuse. First mod I’ve done to any boat I’ve had.

Amen.

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