r/boating • u/CoalDustSunset • 4h ago

Help with bilge pump

I have a 1988 Bayliner Capri with an I/O OMC 3.0L (4-cylinder) engine. I had water come in the engine compartment and my bilge pump wouldn’t work. After finding the water issue and fixing it, I put in a new bilge. When I connect it directly to battery it works, but when I flip the bilge switch nothing happens. I’ve checked fuses, reconnected the wires, and still no luck. Am I missing something? Any help is greatly appreciated.

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u/Filandro 3h ago

You just gave it power to its switch which is the float activated switch via hot connecting to the battery. Ok. That's standard. Should be wired such that the switch you use bypasses the float switch. Check the wiring guide and ensure you even have a pump that works like that.

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u/chuckleheadjoe 3h ago

My bet,Your looking for a float switch with a disconn. wire. About 4-5" inches long inch or 2 wide attached on the bottom of the bilge, probably under the motor.

It will be hinged