While working on the boat today, I moved the bilge pump and I noticed that it makes noise. When I shake it, the pump sounds like there is something loose inside and rattling around. Almost sounds like there is a bb stuck inside. The pump is a Rule 500 GPH non-automatic. It works just fine when I turn it on.

my rule has a little flapper type thing so when it shuts off the water in the hose doesnt come back out and pour all over everywhere... perhaps thats what u hear?

I am assuming you are removing it from it's base when you shake it? Probably a small piece of manufacturing debris and nothing to worry about, on the other hand, they're cheap and I keep one in the toolbox...

GT

LOL I keep one behind the seat of my truck also. Cheap insurance. I remember Nordie having one fail once, almost catastrophically,  and another time I pulled one out of Pickle (It runs 2) on the beach when Aquaholics went out. Then hadda run Pickle with a pair of vice grips on one of the dump lines, but it worked! 

Replace it or at least carry a spare. That is one thing you do NOT want to have quit on you in the middle of the lake or miles up/down river........

Ray