My automatic bilge pumps did not seem to be working. It seemed like a good time to pull and inspect them. I originally set these up with smooth wall hose for improved efficiency. They also have check valves. Each bilge pump is on a custom stainless steel platform on the end of a long angle iron "handle". This is because my bilge is deep. The smooth wall hose is stiff which makes pulling a pump out difficult. So I decided to change the short section between the check valves and the pump with more flexible hose.
I pulled both pumps out and the pickup for the manual pump. The upper pump had a broken base and the sensor was dislodged. The lower pump's sensor had failed. I suspect that is a wiring issue. My plan for today is to reterminate the wires and possibly replace one sensor. I also installed a ring terminal block for easier service.
The sensor/switches I use to activate the bilge pumps do not last forever but they never foul like a mechanical switch. Another one could be used for a bilge alarm.
My long term goal is to add an engine driven high volume bilge pump with an electric clutch.
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