Bilge pump 97 speedster

[Speedrocker19]

Anyone got any tips for replacing the bilge pump ? Mine has the auto on feature. Nothing worths. Either clogged or dead. I’m sure I can drop a new one in after I figure out how to even get old one out.

I know there are little clips that hold the pump onto the blue filter base thing.

But on eBay I’m seeing sold with the metal mount plate that lets you take the whole thing out.

Should I somehow sit on my engine bay and reach in ?

I know it’s prob easy to unclip. But damn it’s so far back. If I go in head first I’d need someone there to hold my feet lol

Wanted to see if anyone had any experience.

 

[Dr Honda]

For years, I tried to get OEM type replacements because they fit the bas that was already there. But then, I realized that they just fail after a year or two. So now... I just get something basic and inexpensive. If you want the auto feature, wire a float switch in.

 

[ronmold]

Remove the cowl, it takes 5 min. It's the only way I can work on anything down in that pit.

 

[Speedrocker19]

What’s the cowl ?

 

[squad1]

He is referring to the engine bay cover.

 

[switt]

On my 1997 challenger, bilge was removed by pushing in tabs on sides of pump and lifting. The bottom part / strainer was held with a couple rivets. Just a tap with drill on rivets and it was all out. Installed my new walmart pump and sensor with "Goop" on bottom part, instead of rivets. All good.

 

[Speedrocker19]

Oh right. I know I gotta take off the engine cover. But the reach of getting to the pump is nuts. Almost have to have someone there to hold my feet. WTned to see if anyone had a good technique

 

[Dr Honda]

....... But the reach of getting to the pump is nuts. Almost have to have someone there to hold my feet. ........

Welcome to working on an inboard boat. LoL

 

[Speedrocker19]

So I got the pump out. Not too bad. I noticed on the contacts of the auto function are just caked with this black algea looking stuff. After working to get the pump out I got it al over my hands. It’s like greasy thoigh. Like super sticky feeling. Doesn’t just come off with a light scrub. Had to really wash good. What is that ?

And or can that shit cause the auto pump contact to not work ?

I’m gonna try to clean my pump too while waiting for new one. What’s Best way ? I figured I could soak it in some hydrogen peroxide to eat all that shit away.

And any input on what I can use to clean all that slimy black shit off the contacts ?

 

[mikidymac]

Typical bilge and oil slime. Use Castrol SuperClean but don't get it on the upholstery or decals.

 

[Speedrocker19]

Trying some simple green right now. Is there a way I can test power to the thing while it is out of the boat. I’m guessing not

Also anyone know if this bilge will turn on with the switch only when the water is high enough. Or if I have no water in the boat. And flip the switch. Should I hear it turn on ?

 

[Dr Honda]

Simple green is useless. Superclean will kill the algee/slime/mold... and solubilize the oils. Spray it in... rinse it out. AND... it won't kill the grass as it flows out the driveway.

It depends on how your pump is wired. If you have a 3 wire pump... it should turn on when the water is high automatically... and turn on with the switch. If it's just 2 wires... then the switch powers it, and the float switch controls it.


FYI... here's a before and after. No scrubbing. Just spray, and hose.

 

[Speedrocker19]

How long should I let it soak for ? The super clean

Also let me make my question less confusing.

I know I have the auto and manual combined bilge.

So after I get my pump all clean. Here’s what I mean.

If I install it back In the boat. And there is no water in the bilge at all. If I turn the manual switch to on. Will I hear it turn on or hum or something. Or does the thing only turn on when the water is high enough when using the manual switch.

I’m guessing because it’s a manual switch of power. Regardless of water level I should hear it turn on. And try to start pumping. Even though no water.

 

[mikidymac]

I let the cleaner sit about 5-10 minutes and scrub it with a brush then use an electric pressure washer, the gas ones are too strong.

If you have a manual option on the switch this will send power directly to the pump and you will hear it hum if it's working.

 

[Speedrocker19]

Ok cool. I’ll know if it’s dead or not. And just to verify there is only 1 fuse for the pump which is under the drivers storage container.

 

[jclack]

I had to bypass the fuse for the pump (the one connected in the potted electrical panel under the storage). Once I did that, it worked fine.