Whiskeytrain Posted June 3, 2016 Report Share Posted June 3, 2016 Hey guys, I have a 2000 hewes bayfisher and I recently realized the bilge is not pumping automatically. I works manually when you hit the switch, but not longer automatically. It's a rule 1500 gph model and looks older as the new models I've seen online looks a little different. Any ideas what the problem is? Any ideas to trouble shoot ? Replacing it seems like it would be a nightmare because the access port to it is very small. I'm not sure how you people can easily work on it with the small port hole. thanks for any info Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FunFlatsFishing Posted June 3, 2016 Report Share Posted June 3, 2016 Check the inline fuse that is most likely near your battery switch. If that doesn't work check the connector that attaches the wire to the back of your battery switch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jason p Posted June 3, 2016 Report Share Posted June 3, 2016 You're obviously getting power if it runs manually so don't worry about chasing down wires. The switch that the float activates (the auto portion of the pump) is usually internal and not serviceable. I'm assuming it's a float operated pump correct? You can manually move the float up, assuming you can reach it, and usually hear a "click" when it contacts the switch that's turns the pump on as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nauti Posted June 3, 2016 Report Share Posted June 3, 2016 It could just be a stuck float or debris is blocking it from moving (more common on units with an attached float). Some units have a separate pump and float so you can test by raising the float to see if the motor kicks on, and if it doesn't just replace the float switch. Oval unit typical of built-in float switch Round pumps typically have a separate switch As for working in the bilge; it helps if you can get and train a spider monkey to do electrical and plumbing repairs...but this typically takes a couple of years so it might not help you now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whiskeytrain Posted June 3, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 3, 2016 Thanks for the replies. It's a rule so from what I've read it does not have an internal float, but just some sensor. I'll check the fuse and then use the hose to spray water through the strainer to see if anything is blocking it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mulligan Posted June 3, 2016 Report Share Posted June 3, 2016 `If it has a sensor it maybe dirty. When the sensor has oil or the like on them they tend not to work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FunFlatsFishing Posted June 3, 2016 Report Share Posted June 3, 2016 11 hours ago, jason p said: You're obviously getting power if it runs manually so don't worry about chasing down wires. The switch that the float activates (the auto portion of the pump) is usually internal and not serviceable. I'm assuming it's a float operated pump correct? You can manually move the float up, assuming you can reach it, and usually hear a "click" when it contacts the switch that's turns the pump on as well. It may have 3 wires. A shared ground, a positive wire with fuse that runs directly to the battery switch (for auto) and a wire that runs to the rocker switch on the center console (manual). If the wire that runs to the battery switch or battery is bad, the auto won't work but the rocker switch will. This way you can leave your battery switch off and keep the bilge working on auto. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bdsnook Posted June 4, 2016 Report Share Posted June 4, 2016 What FunFlats said....three wires...if the constant hot fuse is blown or the connector where it is attached directly to the 12v + on the battery or switch is bad it will not run auto...but may still run in manual when you flip the switch on...different wire for 12v+ same common 12v- wire....need to check! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whiskeytrain Posted June 6, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 6, 2016 I've sprayed the strainer and checked the fuse. The fuse does not appear blown. Not sure. Might need to replace the bilge after all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justfish Posted June 6, 2016 Report Share Posted June 6, 2016 Pretty sure the old rules had a float, only in recent years have they gone to that sensor. Honestly, I'd prob replace a 16year old pump first sign of problems. It would be a great time to put in a bigger access hatch to work back there too. You think it's hard to get down there to work on the pump, try getting down there to bail water...don't ask me how I know Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triplec Posted June 6, 2016 Report Share Posted June 6, 2016 Yup....what justfish says... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whiskeytrain Posted June 6, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 6, 2016 You guys are absolutely right. I am going to put in a bigger hatch. Any suggestions for a hatch to put in. It sounds like a bunch of guys have already put bigger hatches in their boats. Also any suggestions on a replacement bilge? And how easy are they to replace? Any good step by step videos or tutorials online. thanks guys Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JEM Posted June 6, 2016 Report Share Posted June 6, 2016 55 minutes ago, Whiskeytrain said: You guys are absolutely right. I am going to put in a bigger hatch. Any suggestions for a hatch to put in. It sounds like a bunch of guys have already put bigger hatches in their boats. Also any suggestions on a replacement bilge? And how easy are they to replace? Any good step by step videos or tutorials online. thanks guys T-H Marine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whiskeytrain Posted June 7, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 7, 2016 Thanks JEM. I am def gonna out the new access hatch in. Any suggestions on a good reliable bilge ? Stay with the 1100 rule? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JEM Posted June 7, 2016 Report Share Posted June 7, 2016 I have always used Rule. However, when Master Repair did my boat earlier this year, he used an Attwood 1100 automatic bilge pump. He said he has had real good luck with these Attwood's. So far, so good with mine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justfish Posted June 7, 2016 Report Share Posted June 7, 2016 That hatch JEM posted is what you want. Makes a world of difference getting in there Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whiskeytrain Posted June 7, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 7, 2016 Would the 11x19 hatch be a good size for my bayfisher? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JEM Posted June 7, 2016 Report Share Posted June 7, 2016 Perfect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whiskeytrain Posted June 7, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 7, 2016 Any recommendations where to order it from? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JEM Posted June 7, 2016 Report Share Posted June 7, 2016 I would go to the T-H website, and look up the exact access hatch model you want. The model I have is the removable Designer Series Hatch with 4 latches. Then I would call T-H Marine and ask them for a retailer. If you are close to Stuart, Fl, Master Repair has them in stock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justdriftin Posted June 8, 2016 Report Share Posted June 8, 2016 I have replaced a bilge pump in the same boat as yours with the pie-hole, so its doable, but not fun. I just used a long bit extension to screw down the new basket and was able to get in there far enough to pop the new one in. You will be sore the next day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geaux Time Posted June 8, 2016 Report Share Posted June 8, 2016 On June 6, 2016 at 8:06 AM, Whiskeytrain said: You guys are absolutely right. I am going to put in a bigger hatch. Any suggestions for a hatch to put in. It sounds like a bunch of guys have already put bigger hatches in their boats. Also any suggestions on a replacement bilge? And how easy are they to replace? Any good step by step videos or tutorials online. thanks guys I have the same boat and had the same issue. Replaced the hatch last year. I'll try to put the post/link on here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geaux Time Posted June 8, 2016 Report Share Posted June 8, 2016 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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