400SS Float Switches...what do I have going on here?


A

Alindquist

New member
I was doing some work in the bilge this weekend and decided to check my float switches. There are a total of 5 float switches in the bilge. 2 on the port side and 3 on the starboard side. Lower switch on the port side turns on the port pump (like it should). Lower side on the starboard side does nothing. Both upper switches do nothing. I figured they were for the high water alarm and held them on for about 20 seconds and nothing happens. Then there is the 3rd one on the starboard side, this also does nothing. Boat is a 2007 400SS with Volvo diesels. Can someone explain what I'm looking at and where to start?
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I would assume that the upper one is the high water alarm and maybe it is not working. It does have a time delay, but not 20 seconds.
 
that is probably right but what would the third one the starboard side be for? Is there a way to test that alarm without replacing the switches? I plan to replace the lower one the starboard side (bilge pump). Seems strange that 4 of the 5 would be bad...
 
The 2 lower switches should activate the pumps individually. The two upper switches are alarms. The fifth switch is for the obsolete sea key system. I had my 5th switch removed as well as the seakey. The two upper switches are for alarms, I had the rewired to activate both pumps as well as activating the bilge alarm. I'm very concerned that your alarm does not sound. The system has a float switch under your bed in the bilge that also should sound the alarm. Bad way to wake up with wet feet!!!
 
That makes a lot of sense, thanks fossil fuel, I’ll need to check the one under the bed... I think I have a bunch of bad switches
 
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