Rule fully automatic pump

[pvanv1]

As I posted earlier... As a Rule dealer (we also carry other brands), I have only had one of these pumps ever come back under warranty, and our distributor handled the warranty replacement for us with no effort at all. We replaced the pump for the customer, and our distributor replaced the pump for us. I assume Rule replaced the pump for the distributor, but didn't follow through that far, so I can't 100% verify that they did.

Both of my 500 GPH fully auto Rule pumps work flawlessly, and have for many years, so I doubt it's an inherent design flaw. Of course, since these fully auto pumps have electronic "brains" on a circuit board, it's possible that a bad run of chips, etc., could cause a whole run of bad pumps. I personally know that this kind of problem did happen with some Raymarine autopilots a few years ago, and Ray stood behind their products with free replacements. If yours is a similar problem, Rule has to know about this by now, and should allow warranty replacement without issue.

If you have definitely verified a defect in the pump, and if you bought from a disreputable dealer who will not stand behind the sale, well then I guess it's a Dealer issue -- not a Rule issue. Personally, as a small local dealer, regardless of manufacturer's support, I would replace the pump for the customer, and then follow up with my supplier as needed. Our reputation as a dealer is a lot more important to us than the price of a bad pump. Hopefully the dealer returns the voicemails you left for them. If Intercept Marine is some kind of fly-by-night dealer, then shame on them.

[jarcher]

Originally Posted by catamount

And have you tested the switch to make sure that it is working properly?

I did indeed, before I installed the pump. The only thing I did not test is the voltage at the pump itself, which I'll do soon.

The Rule web site said low voltage can cause this issue. That's of course an interesting problem. When the battery voltage goes low because the batteries are running low, the pump comes on and stays on. Not a super idea. But I expect the voltage would have to be pretty low.

The vendor did call, they are contacting Rule.

[jarcher]

Originally Posted by pvanv1

Hopefully the dealer returns the voicemails you left for them. If Intercept Marine is some kind of fly-by-night dealer, then shame on them.

They did, twice actually, and they seemed willing to fix the problem. They first wanted to contact Rule then go from there. Hopefully this will be wrapped up before the weekend, depending upon shipping time.

They said what you did, that they sell many of these and have not had a problem. Based upon that and what is posted here I am going to double check my wiring and the voltages. A friend of mine and I checked it before we installed it, but we could have screwed it up.

I'll post an update.

[jarcher]

Okay here is the update. The replacement pump arrived from the vendor Friday, was installed Sunday and is working correctly. Oh, I did measure the voltage at the pump, it was the same as at the battery.

I like this pump! It kicks on and unless you know what you are listening for, you won't even notice. On deck and in the cockpit you won't hear it. I just occasionally see the little amber light go on when the pump kicks in (the light on the switch).

To answer an earlier question about backwash forcing the pump on over and over, the pump just comes on every 2.5 minutes and quickly moves a bit of water until it can't suck any more, then stops. The backwash comes but is not much, so each cycle is brief. I use this to my advantage by squirting a little Dawn dish washing soap into the bilge and the pump suds it up

I'll check the battery voltage next weekend and see how much the battery is drained, and I'll check it under load, but I don't expect any problem, even with the cheap batteries I have (Walmart specials - they came with the boat and they are okay for now).

Personally, I think this is a better solution than a float switch! Now as long as the vendor credits my card promptly upon receiving the bad pump back we'll be all set...