FLOAT SWITCH IN AFT SHOWER SUMP IN OUR 43

[Robert & Sandy]

We were quietly enjoying a balmy summer evening when the aft shower sump pump began its annoying slurp, slurp, without any water to move.

It appears something has failed, be it the float switch or the small integrated circuit which is part of the wiring under the sink.

Any ideas as to the cure for it appears the entire sump must be removed to review the state of the switch, or is there a wiring clue to checking out the control unit with a multi meter.

Happy New Year to all, warm, hot and smoky in wonderful Sydney.

Bilgolabands, Robert and Sandy 

[Dave Shore]

Robert,

The wires run directly from the switch up to the small box under the sink with the manual switch. You can disconnect the wires there and check the status of the switch with a meter. Should be pretty straightforward.

[Mike Brown]

Robert, I'm pretty sure you can check the switch at the control box you mentioned. If I recall correctly there's a wire connector that can be disconnected allowing you to check the switch with a multimeter. I believe the switch in the sump is a mercury type switch. If so there's not much that can go wrong with it and I'd be more inclined to think that there's an issue with the control box. BTW I've had the sumps out and there's nothing to see but the mounting for the switch. The wiring runs through the sump and into the sink cabinet.

Good luck!

Mike

[Chris]

Robert:

It may not be the switch.

We experienced the same thing on our Beneteau 40. Turns out the slurping sound was caused by water backing up in the system due to crud building up on the diaphragm inside the pump keeping it open.

The Service kit did the trick.

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/whale-pumps--gulper-220-pump-service...

No more slurp...

Chris

[Robert & Sandy]

Thanks to all who replied.

Mike was correct and the problem was in the tricky control box. Beneteau wanted many, many dollars for a new box so I simply placed two inline waterproof switches, one in the shower, one near the sink and it works perfectly.

No more waiting for the float switch to kick in.

Bilgolabands

[Mike Brown]

Robert, glad to hear you got it fixed. That system is over engineered. Most other boats, including many Beneteau’s have exactly what you changed to, a simple on off switch. 
Take care

Mike