Ballasts not filling

[DoubleA]

I just got my first Nautique, 2004 SANTE 210 and put it in the water today. The belly ballast would fill but the Port and starboard would not?? Once I got back home I turned pumps on and I could hear them running. The little valves under the engine cover were turned to the "open" position also. Any ideas?
Thanks

[swankster]

Take the cover off the pumps and check the impellers. The center could be spun out or outside could be worn.

[DoubleA]

Is getting that cover off easy? They looked round from what I remember? Its dark now or I would go look. Thanks for the input.

[NautiqueJeff]

In 2004, I believe they still used the old style pumps (non-impeller). If you hear them running, then you may have just had an air lock. On my 2003, I found that sometimes I would have to play around with the direction of the boat in order to get them to fill, especially if they hadn't been used for a little while. Try driving in reverse and starting them. Sometimes that forces them to prime, and they work after that.

If you do need new ones, pick them up from White Lake at the URL below. Be sure to use our discount code (PND).

http://www.nautiqueparts.com/ballasttank.aspx

[DoubleA]

Thanks for that. If I do need new ones do you think I should upgrade to a newer style pump?

[OKWAKEBDR]

My '05 had 2 seperate valves. There were valves in the engine compartment (for the rear tanks) and in the ski locker (for the center tank) PLUS there were the valves on the driver's kick panel. Did you have all 6 of them open?

I never really turned off the ones in the engine compartment or in the ski locker, I just used the kick panel ones.