8 replies to this topic

[NE14doo]

Hi to to all Sea Dooers out there,

This is my first post on this forum, and hope someone can answer a question for me. I have a 2007 Challenger 180 w/ 215 hp. When I used to turn on the manual Bilge pump switch, I could hear the pump or at least a noise. Now nothing happens (NO NOISE), I checked the fused and everything is good. Not sure what else to do... It is still under warranty but there is a 4 week wait time before they can look at my boat. (not sure if it's even covered under warranty) Any ideas out there ?

[Kevin Leclair]

First off let me say welcome to the website, good to have you here! This should definitely be covered under warranty as long as you are still within your warranty period.

Have you checked the wire leading to the battery, our '08 180 Challenger's bilge is hard-wired to the battery? It is done this way in case the battery cut-off switch is off, it will allow the bilge to still work in case of an emergency to pump the water out. It could be possible that this wire might be causing the problem.

[keviseeb]

Kevin is correct, the bilge pump float switch receives power directly from the battery, actually from the hot side of the on-off switch. When the water level is high enough it energizes the bilge pump with or without the battery switch on. The manual switch on the dash will only turn the bilge pump on if the battery switch is in the on position.

Kevin Seeber
Kingsland Marine

[NE14doo]

Guys,

Thanks for the great info, I am glad to hear that the bilge pump will still work even without the switch being on. I guess I haven't taken in enough water for it to kick in on its own. Still looking for the problem with the manual switch on the dash. (why it isn't turning on when pushed). My doo is reaching 9-10 hrs, is there any maintenance required at this point ?

[Kevin Leclair]

My doo is reaching 9-10 hrs, is there any maintenance required at this point ?

Yes this would be your first required maintenance after the break-in period. They will need to change the oil and inspect to make sure everything is performing as it should in the engine. While you are there have them take a look at the bilge switch, might just be a bad relay or switch that is not telling the bilge to come on...either way your warranty should cover getting this fixed as long as you are still within your warranty period.

[keviseeb]

Kevin, I don't mean to correct you however the 10 hour service is recommended not required or mandatory. Look carefully at the wording in your owner's manual. It is ok to change your own oil, however keep records in case a dealer wants to disallow a claim. Even at that abuse has to be proven! When the titanium coated washers are installed in the Sport Boats next year the 100 hour maintenance must be done within 5 hours. I don't know how that will work on analog gauge boats, we'll have to wait and see. We like to see a boat after 10 hours for two reasons, 1) For the supercharged models we like to verify that the 7 hour computer generated break-in program has switched over i.e. if the plugs are very clean then it most likely has, if the plugs are sooted then odds are it hasn't. Maybe not high tech but we humans still have a value! 2) For all models we like to verify the final drive grease cone is not leaking by pressure testing it. We believe strongly in the assembly procedures at the plant however it never hurts to double check such an important item that could cost thousands should it go bad.

Kevin Seeber
Kingsland Marine

[vwDavid]

Every time I wash my boat I fill up the bilge with the hose and insure the automatic float works.

I'd say if it isn't working it might be foolish to go boating. But, with a 4 week wait I feel your pain. I guess you have to get out the volt meter and start troubleshooting yourself. Follow the wires to the pump and investigate more.

[fialoe]

Do a little checking yourself first. Is there water for the bilge to pump? Are all wires connected? Are all wires to the switch connected? The bilge is not the most complicated piece of equipment on your boat and should be sortable by you possibly

Hi to to all Sea Dooers out there,

This is my first post on this forum, and hope someone can answer a question for me. I have a 2007 Challenger 180 w/ 215 hp. When I used to turn on the manual Bilge pump switch, I could hear the pump or at least a noise. Now nothing happens (NO NOISE), I checked the fused and everything is good. Not sure what else to do... It is still under warranty but there is a 4 week wait time before they can look at my boat. (not sure if it's even covered under warranty) Any ideas out there ?

[jmhanep]

Hi to to all Sea Dooers out there,

This is my first post on this forum, and hope someone can answer a question for me. I have a 2007 Challenger 180 w/ 215 hp. When I used to turn on the manual Bilge pump switch, I could hear the pump or at least a noise. Now nothing happens (NO NOISE), I checked the fused and everything is good. Not sure what else to do... It is still under warranty but there is a 4 week wait time before they can look at my boat. (not sure if it's even covered under warranty) Any ideas out there ?

We have recently had two float switch bilge pump failures on 07&08 Challenger 180's which are covered under warranty but in both cases the switch failed in the on position and drained the battery.