Bilge pump not working?

[swill777]

I have a 1998 Sportster 1800 with the dual 85HP motors... I noticed that my bilge pump doesn't seem to be working... In the manual I believe it says that the pump should work even with the boat off, when the lanyard is off too. Well, I engaged the lanyard, and I hit the switch, and it doesn't run. I haven't tried it with the boat on, but should it work with it off?
Can I just jump it to the batter real quick to make sure the pump works? Maybe just the switch is bad?
If it is indeed bad, then do I have to buy a specific pump, or can I use a generic one? How many GPH do I need to go? THanks!!

 

[Dans97challenger]

I know mine works with the lanyard on the post. It needs to have power I believe to work. I just had to pump about 25 gallons of water out of my engine compartment. We had some horrible rain here the other day and I didn't have the cover on it. Now the boat won't turn over but I believe the battery just needs a charge as it is pretty low.

 

[swill777]

Yeah it's been raining here in FL too... I do have the cover on mine though... Maybe it's been working automatically when I've been taking it out, but maybe the switch just doesn't work.. Because I don't have any water in the engine compartment every time I look. I sure would like to know for sure that it's working though.. just in case something goes really wrong

 

[vilord]

It should go on when you flip the switch, lanyard or not.
If not, disconnect the battery and re-connect it, the pump should automatically run for 20-30 seconds. If it runs and the switch doesn't kick it on, then it might need a new switch. If it doesn't run, the pump or wiring needs to be checked.

Dan, your boat has a sensor to automatically turn on the pump when it rains or if water leaks in... It is right next to the pump. It's a basic float, so it could have some leaves or something blocking it, but I'd fix that quick. Better to fix a $20 float then forget and end up replacing an $800 engine!