Bavaria 38 bilge pump piping leak

[jeffbullen]

I have a 2004 Bavaria 38 which has had completely dry bilges since new.  I check the bilge pump annually by filling the bilges with water and pumping them out.  However, every time I have to prime the pipes by using a hose to fill the system before the pump will actually empty the bilges.  Whilst this is OK for a servicing situation, I would not want to be doing this if I have holed the hull at night and am taking on water.  I have tried replacing the non-return/check valve, but with no success.  Have any other owners experienced the same problem and, if so, come up with a solution?

[Nigel]

Same problem. I'm thinking of removing the check valve and replacing the flap I discarded from the top of the pump.

[Sweet As]

Same problem. I'm thinking of removing the check valve and replacing the flap I discarded from the top of the pump.

?? What check valve, what flap?