Ballast Pump Issue on 2001 Pro-Air Nautique

[h2obody]

At the end of last season, I tried to fill my ballast tanks and they didn't fill. They had been working right through the summer. I asked the service mechanic to have a look at it at the end of last season (while winterizing the boat), and he said the pump was fine. When I put the boat in the water this season, big surprise, the tank wasn't filling.

When the pump was working, it made a distinct sound. Needless to say, the pump isn't making that sound anymore. It makes a much quieter sound now, and doesn't fill the tanks. Prior to this I have never had an issue with the pump.

Any advice (or some troubleshooting tips) would be greatly appreciated. Also, any advice about replacing the pump (if needed) would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[bkhallpass]

Is the seacock open? Even if the pumps are not workign properly, the tanks should take on some water with the seacock and vents open. BKH

[h2obody]

Is the seacock open? Even if the pumps are not workign properly, the tanks should take on some water with the seacock and vents open. BKH

When you say "seacock" I trust you mean either the two knobs behind the driver's seat that vent air into the tanks or the lever below the engine that opens the line for pumping? If not either of these items, then please clarify.

Thanks.

[WakeSlayer]

The seacock is the ball valve on the inside of the hull at the water intake.

[h2obody]

Ok, that clears that up. The seacock is the lever I mentioned that is located below the engine. So if the seacock and vents are open and it isn't taking in any water, what should I check? Could something be plugged? Also, whenever I opened the vents knobs in the past when the tanks were taking on water, I could actually hear gurgling sounds coming from the vent hole on the outside of the boat. When I open the vent holes now, there is no gurgling sound from the vents. Thanks for your help with this.

[vanislwake]

those knobs are prone to being crap on those boats, the whole ballast system is kinda hokey actually, i know alot of people opt to dismantle it and re-do it a little better, i never really liked the vent knob thingies, i had troubles with mine on previous boat, i remember having to fill 1 tnak at a time for some odd reason.

[mcbridek]

I believe this is the same setup that is on the 99 and 00. When you open the seacock, and open the vent, now run the boat at speed, the thru hull scoop will force water in and start to fill the tank. If it fills the tank, then the vent is not clogged. Once you determined the vent is working (make sure you check both tanks/vents). By running the boat at speed you have filled the ballast line with water (primed), now, turn the pump on and see if it starts filling. If the vent works fine (step one) and when you turn on the pump and it does not fill the tank, then the pump is bad (I believe the pump sold at Walmart is the replacement - Attwood 800 or 850).