Rule auto bilge pump ???

ciaranp · 29 July 2008, 11:23

I have a 500 rule auto bilge pump wired to a switch panal.

Yesterday i noticed when on auto it didn't pump but when switched to manual it works.

didn't get time to mess around with it but what could be wrong?

1. the float switch stuck?
2.there is a fuse on the switch panal,does this control the auto fuction only or both auto and manual?

Tim M · 29 July 2008, 11:41

The rule pumps with built in automatic don't have float switches - they work on resistance or something. In my experience they are very prone to failure. If the pump still works it won't be the fuse. Sounds like a classic case of broken rule bilge pump to me, something I suffer from on a regular basis.

ciaranp · 29 July 2008, 11:46

[QUOTE=Tim M;258045] The rule pumps with built in automatic don't have float switches - they work on resistance or something. In my experience they are very prone to failure. If the pump still works it won't be the fuse. Sounds like a classic case of broken rule bilge pump to me, something I suffer from on a regular basis. [/QUO

so you reckon nothing else can be wrong?

Tim M · 29 July 2008, 11:55

Check the wiring first. It may be that the wire for auto mode has come loose somewhere. From memory it's the brown and white wire. If that appears ok and the switch is working fine then yes, unfortunately it sounds like your pump's knackered.

codprawn · 29 July 2008, 11:57

It's knackered. I had this happen to me but my replacement has been fine for 2 years and it works far harder than most with the rain we get!!!

ciaranp · 29 July 2008, 12:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

It's knackered. I had this happen to me but my replacement has been fine for 2 years and it works far harder than most with the rain we get!!!

its not even 2 months old!!

was the manual feature still workin on yours?

Going to demand a replacement!

codprawn · 29 July 2008, 16:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by ciaranp

its not even 2 months old!!

was the manual feature still workin on yours?

Going to demand a replacement!

Yes it was!!!

Tim M · 29 July 2008, 17:01

2 months isn't that bad! I've had them go after literally a few hours of use.
You should be able to get it replaced without too much trouble.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ciaranp

its not even 2 months old!!

was the manual feature still workin on yours?

Going to demand a replacement!

ciaranp · 29 July 2008, 20:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim M

2 months isn't that bad! I've had them go after literally a few hours of use.
You should be able to get it replaced without too much trouble.

why does this happen?

any tips to avoid it happening again??

Chris · 29 July 2008, 20:48

Ciaran, How have you tested the auto function of the pump. Has it ever worked?

Chris

Erin · 29 July 2008, 21:11

My Rule pump is an auto but not fully auto. It has an integral float switch to activate it, but won't shut off until it senses no load against the impellor. The other fully auto Rule type without a float switch turns on every 15 sec or so to sense any load and will continue pumping if there, is until the water is cleared. I suspect you have the former and the flaot switch is jammed.

ciaranp · 29 July 2008, 21:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

Ciaran, How have you tested the auto function of the pump. Has it ever worked?

Chris

ye it worked auto up to yesterdaay

ciaranp · 29 July 2008, 21:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erin

My Rule pump is an auto but not fully auto. It has an integral float switch to activate it, but won't shut off until it senses no load against the impellor. The other fully auto Rule type without a float switch turns on every 15 sec or so to sense any load and will continue pumping if there, is until the water is cleared. I suspect you have the former and the flaot switch is jammed.

there is float switch in in. must check it out tomorrow..

Rodan · 30 July 2008, 08:18

I had 4 of them before i gave up, they are useless and i doubt they even manage the 500gph claimed when working properly. That was over the period of 1.5 seasons. Badly made and vunerable, not exactly what you want in an important bit of safety kit !

I bought an Attwood Sahara Auto pump and it is way way better. Well made and very reliable and it really chucks the water out fast. Neat magnetic no moving parts sensor and far better than this running every couple of minutes lark with the previous crap.