Need some direction on 2000 Air ballast tank problem

[Popeye]

I'm the original owner of a 2000 Air and haven't had any issues with the ballast tanks until now. That said, effective this year, I can't get the tanks to fill. In the past, there has been a distinct "gurgling" when the fill is happening - I believe this is the result of air escaping from the vent hole closest to the driver - as the fill water replaces the air in the tanks.

This is what I've observed/tried thus far:

I pulled both fill valves off and each appears to be clear and functioning.

I can hear the fill pump running when the switch is turned on, but no corresponding gurgling sound is heard and no fill is occurring.

If I open the fill valves and take the boat up to speed, still no gurgling and no fill. In the past, this needed to be done occasionally to "prime" the pump and get the fill started.

If I drive as described above, the driver side "overfill" vent hole at the rear of the boat will start spewing out water - consistent with the driver side tank being full - but a closer look shows little or no fill in the driver side tank and no fill at all in the passenger side tank.

Any thoughts from forum members who have experienced this issue would be greatly appreciated!

[joewoody]

I have had this happen. a few things that can cause this is vent line from top of tank to valves behind seat stopped up. or the valve itself could be clogged with something bees nest had this happen they live stopping up my vent line. if you have a fake a lake you can test in driveway. one way or another the air on passenger tank is not escaping the tank.

[Popeye]

Thanks joewoody. I'm going to try a few things tomorrow to see if I can track down the cause...the vents don't seem to be opening as they should.

[charlesml3]

There's a brass check valve right on top of each hard tank. Most likely they're stuck in one position. This happened to me a few years ago. I was able to whack it with the end of a screwdriver to get it to free up.

-Charles

[Popeye]

Thanks, Charlesml3. I pulled both valves and found that the port ballast tank brass valve was stuck. I was able to clean it so that it functions as it should. Both tanks fill now, but I need to re-check the helm valves as I can't get the fill to stop while moving. Not a real problem as the water exits out the stern overflow vents. Still would like for it to be functioning properly. Thanks again for the help.