Bilge pump barely working need advice

scottsims1 wrote: So my 05 air 206 bilge pump has something wrong with it. Before I replace it was going to ask the experts for advice. When I turn it on via dashboard it spins for about 5 seconds then turns off. I checked the trap and it is clean. I have about 4-5 inches of water in the hull to the point that the entire billie is underwater and the battery box is about an inch from having standing water. Any advice before I yank it and replace it???

You must also not have a functioning float switch?

You might want to also check if your output hose is clogged. A friends pump was behaving the exact same way. It turns out someone had shoved something into the thru-hull fitting. We used an air compressor to blow it out but you could also use water pressure if you can get a good seal on the hose.   Disconnect hose at bilge pump and blow it out.

I don't know what pump is installed on yours, but if you have the Rule pump like on our 99, it is controlled by a computer chip which from my best guess senses current draw from the pump and determines whether or not there is any water present. If you have one of these, there will be no float switch. They "look" for water I think every 2-3 minutes by switching on for a few seconds, if it senses no water pumping, it shuts back off. That may be why you're turns on for a few seconds then shuts off.

It's a little early for dobblers...wasps?

Actually the wasps in NC love my boat. My issue is I am in the water with no easy trailer out and don't have power or a hose at the dock. My plan is to unhook the hose and blow for a check....