Forward Bilge pump float question

[JohnL]

I have a 1990 24 Offshore, and my forward bilge pump works when I use the manual switch. However, when I lift the float switch, I hear it click but the pump doesn’t turn on.

My question is whether the float switch is wired in parallel with the manual switch. If so, I should be able to cut the two wires going to the float switch and touch them together on the switch side to see if the pump runs. If it does, that would indicate the float switch is the problem. If it doesn’t, then there may be a break somewhere in the wiring.

 

[Hookup1]

If the pump runs using the manual bilge pump switch Al your wiring is good. The float switch is in parallel and all the wiring is right there at the pump. It is common for the wires to the pump to go bad over the years from sitting in bilge water. Test switch in installed orientation just in case it is old mercury type. I would just buy a new on and properly crimp wires and install it.