Good morning Mark,

Generally speaking:
The switch (called “puisard”) that you find on the forward bulkhead should always be on, except when you want to work on the pump and disconnect it.
The Switch on the 24 Volt panel in the galley should be on “Auto” except when you want to use it to empty the bilge (for example before you leave for the day).

Now:
I think your bilge pump is not emptying anything, probably a leak in the valve (this happened to me). Following that I took as a rule, to always empty the bilge before I left the boat for the day.
Could be the on/off switch on the tube, but I doubt.

So you must switch off the pump before you burn it, by switching off the “puisard” switch you located (on the forward bulkhead). Sure they have a fuse inside, etc. but no need to let it run.

Then open it, inspect the flaps, etc.
It is not a good illustration, but here is what to expect inside:
http://www.nikimat.com/bilge_pump_electric_amfa_marina_zz.html
it could also be the little arm turning around the shaft that is turning empty, you will find out by opening it.

Meanwhile you can use the hand pump to empty your bilge.

Sincerely, Alexandre

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On Fri, 7/6/18, mgarver@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:

Subject: [Amel Yacht Owners] Bilge Continuous Running
To: amelyachtowners@...
Date: Friday, July 6, 2018, 11:41 PM


 









I tried searching for this, but
couldn’t find the answer. My wife and I just returned to
our boat and today I noticed that the bilge is running
non-stop. I went to the engine room and noticed that the
bilge switch appears to be turned on, but am unsure if I
turn it to the lower position if I am turning off the
auto-bilge or not. When I turn the switch off, obviously the
bilge ceases to run, but not sure if it will kick in if
water builds up again. Question is if turned to the botttom
position, does that turn off the bilge pump including
automatic?
THanks,
Mark