My spin on a bilge pump

[LarryW]

.......... if you have them turned OFF it will not happen, but you have to remember to turn them off. Having them hooked to the key is a good idea, but then if you are riding down a rough trail, you can have the same thing happen.........

Interesting stuff with the float switch arcing. Make sence. I was thinking with the wiring. You could run it through the key and through a normal switch. Then you will never forget to turn it off and you will have the option to turn it off when key is on. Which is how I run my lights.

[Beeman]

I think you can get water/moisture sensor relays that'd do the same think as a float switch without the vibration cycling problem. And of course, always install a master on/off/(auto) switch.

[Rock Doctor]

Couple things:

How do you guys keep the pump suction from plugging up with trash? Jamming up the impellor, ect?
Usually by the time I get to where I'm going, there is so much crap in the bottom of my Argo that A pump would never work. Pinecones, leaves, sticks, muskeg, spiders/caterpillars, sand, dog hair, ect

Also, I've had the "Float Switches" stick in the on position when traveling down rough roads. If they continually tap on and off, they can ARC and actually weld themselves in the on position. Ariving at your destination with a dead battery really sucks. Of course, if you have them turned OFF it will not happen, but you have to remember to turn them off. Having them hooked to the key is a good idea, but then if you are riding down a rough trail, you can have the same thing happen. Just something to keep in mind

RD

[6X6]

Hi:
I have put an auto in my Attex. I disagree on not using one.

Race, if it pops on for a second when I hit a hard bump, honestly, I don't think it matters. It will only be on for that split second when the floats flung up, and only when the switch in in auto, which I only do while swimming anyways.

waylonh: The auto pumps have an ON setting as well as auto. IF I see water coming in then I can switch it on before it's deep enough to trigger the switch, and if I don't (Most likely since I won't see it until there's FAR more than needed to trigger switch in my machine) The outlet is on the Driver's side front, so I'll see the discharge and know there's an issue. (You can also get the switch with warning light, I just scavenged the pump and switch from my old boat)
Rule and Atwood both make excellent pumps. As a boater I NEVER bargain hunt on a pump, but then again these can swim to and drive ONTO shore, so it's less critical. But it you cross any sizable body of water, take the boater motto of a GOOD pump, even if it's a good bit more.

: OH. DON'T use the corrugated hose sometimes billed as "Bilge Pump Hose" It DRASTICALLY cuts down on the flow. Short and straight is best, but at all cost use a smooth interior hose ONLY!

[waylonh]

Here's a total install kit for 41 bucks. Trust me, you don't want the float switch, the water will need to be 3 or 4 inches deep in your argo before it will float. By then, your close to chains slinging water on your belt. (ask me how i know this)


Walmart.com: Tsunami 500 Bilge Pump Installation Kit: Fishing & Marine

[LarryW]

Wahlonh, great advise and thanks for the tip! Very cheap insurance against a bad situation for sure. One of these days Im going to need to get one. I was also thinking if you tapped the power from your key switch you wouldnt need to worry about forgetting to shut if off. Not sure if you switch has it or not but most have an accessory terminal. I always run my lights from there also. So you can run stuff with the switch on but when you turn it off, lights go out. If you are running something with a heavy load you can run a relay in there so low current from the switch will switch a higher current circuit on.

Thanks for sharing your cheap improvement/modification!

Racerone3, Good point on the float switch.

[racerone3]

Bilge pumps are availible at many places less than those prices you stated from Argo.

I have seen bilge pumps that have a float switch to auto stop and start depending on water level. I wonder if that would work in an AATV. Would it suck it right dry, or is the sensor not sensitive enough to do that?

I wouldn't go with one with a float switch. every time you hit a bump it's gonna cycle the switch on and off.

[jwiereng]

Bilge pumps are availible at many places less than those prices you stated from Argo.

I have seen bilge pumps that have a float switch to auto stop and start depending on water level. I wonder if that would work in an AATV. Would it suck it right dry, or is the sensor not sensitive enough to do that?

[trevorakm1]

are you saying you got the complete blige and wiring and lighted switch all at wallyworld that cheap? details please as that to quick and cheap not to do right away. through argo they seem to be running anywhere from $90.00 to 110.00 plus shipping.
thanks
trevor

[waylonh]

I made the mistake of taking my first Bigfoot into an extended deep water trip without a bilge. Didn't sink her, but had a wild time getting back, since the belt got wet. After that day I installed a bilge and vowed I'd never leave land without one. I just finished Argo 2's bilge install. This is my spin, and it was very simple. The bilge is screwed into the floorpan in the front right of the machine. Works great since the engine weight + driver makes the argo lean front and right in the water. The bilge sucks 99 percent of water out, should you need to use it. Don't forget to install a lighted switch, you'll forget and run the battery down since the bilge is so quiet.


600 GPH bilge at wal-mart = 16.99
bilge hose routing kit at walmart = 9.99