Really dumb...because that's how I roll.
We have two 1600 GPH bilge pumps, one approximately amidships near the engine (but beneath) and another under (of course) the sleeping berth. They're set to "auto" via separate switches at the helm (the master is always on, and each pump can be set to on/off/auto, the default being Auto).
As part of routine safety checks, we monthly manipulate the float valve to insure the pump beneath the engine room is working. The other one's a pain so I just turn it to "on" and listen. If there's water in the bilge of course we'll observe it being expelled, but there usually isn't much. These pumps were installed new about 5 years ago and haven't had much use.
So last week the pump in the engine room didn't respond to the float switch or the on/off switch at the helm. We spent a @$@#$@$ of time trying to trace the wiring to see if there's degradation, or a disconnect at the battery (having NO idea which battery it's wired to). We couldn't even find a fuse.
I note that the indicator light at the helm for that pump does not go on, where as the master and the forward pump are lit. I removed the panel behind them helm to marvel at the (unlabelled) spaghetti of wires, but there is nothing that's not connected, nothing that appears corroded, etc.
I have a replacement pump but given the PITA it will be for us to take things apart and install, I wanted to see if there is something else we should look at first? This being a boat and all, I don't want to assume this is as simple as a dead pump. I have a feeling it's likely something electrical but not sure where to look or even who to call.
We have two 1600 GPH bilge pumps, one approximately amidships near the engine (but beneath) and another under (of course) the sleeping berth. They're set to "auto" via separate switches at the helm (the master is always on, and each pump can be set to on/off/auto, the default being Auto).
As part of routine safety checks, we monthly manipulate the float valve to insure the pump beneath the engine room is working. The other one's a pain so I just turn it to "on" and listen. If there's water in the bilge of course we'll observe it being expelled, but there usually isn't much. These pumps were installed new about 5 years ago and haven't had much use.
So last week the pump in the engine room didn't respond to the float switch or the on/off switch at the helm. We spent a @$@#$@$ of time trying to trace the wiring to see if there's degradation, or a disconnect at the battery (having NO idea which battery it's wired to). We couldn't even find a fuse.
I note that the indicator light at the helm for that pump does not go on, where as the master and the forward pump are lit. I removed the panel behind them helm to marvel at the (unlabelled) spaghetti of wires, but there is nothing that's not connected, nothing that appears corroded, etc.
I have a replacement pump but given the PITA it will be for us to take things apart and install, I wanted to see if there is something else we should look at first? This being a boat and all, I don't want to assume this is as simple as a dead pump. I have a feeling it's likely something electrical but not sure where to look or even who to call.