blackrose Posted May 27, 2021 Report Share Posted May 27, 2021 The float switch on this bilge pump has packed up. The pump itself is still fine. I expect it's corroded electrical contacts or something like that. Can I just buy a replacement float switch and does anyone know which one would be suitable? The pump came with the boat 16 years ago. It's a Johnson but that picture is the best I can do to identify it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen-in-Wellies Posted May 27, 2021 Report Share Posted May 27, 2021 (edited) I've used a cheap external float switch like this. Their limitation is the current they can take, so mime runs the bilge pump via a relay mounted above likely water level. The float switch is mounted in a hole drilled in an engine bearer support bracket. It has never been used for actually pumping water as my boat has a volvo stern gland, but I test it every so often by moving the float up by hand. There are float switches that will drive the pump direct, without a relay (4A or so typically), but these are more expensive and even more expensive with the marine mark up. Jen Edited May 27, 2021 by Jen-in-Wellies Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackrose Posted May 27, 2021 Author Report Share Posted May 27, 2021 Thanks, I've just had a look online at Johnson float switches and they're about 45 quid just for the switch! I might take it apart and try to fix it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ex Brummie Posted May 27, 2021 Report Share Posted May 27, 2021 For about £16, you can get a Seaflo automatic bilge pump complete. Judging by the split casing in your photo, this may not be an extravagance. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sea Dog Posted May 27, 2021 Report Share Posted May 27, 2021 17 minutes ago, Ex Brummie said: Judging by the split casing in your photo, this may not be an extravagance. How very delicately put...! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackrose Posted May 27, 2021 Author Report Share Posted May 27, 2021 (edited) 1 hour ago, Ex Brummie said: For about £16, you can get a Seaflo automatic bilge pump complete. Judging by the split casing in your photo, this may not be an extravagance. It's a hairline crack, the pump itself still works well and since it's a fully submersible pump I doubt it has any effect on pump performance. I could buy a cheap crap pump with probably half the flow rate, but it's a decent pump so I'd rather see if I can fix the float switch. A cheap £16 bilge pump including the float switch is never going to be an extravagance, it's always going to be a false economy when it's protecting a boat worth several tens of thousands of pounds. Edited May 27, 2021 by blackrose Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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