Ballast tank issues

[Watarski]

I have had problems with the sending units giving the correct read out on the guages. Has anyone had to replace them and if so, did it solve the problem? Also, I don't think my tanks were filling up today. When I pulled the boat out of the water I tested the pumps and I could hear it, so I wonder if the intake tube is plugged up. Any help is appreciated-

cp

[ssaxet]

RE: Ballast tank issues

I modified the system on my 2001 pan... removed the upper check vlvs and installed a shut off vlv... run the pump till water comes out of both rear tank vents... shut off pump close both vent vlvs and intake vlv and close vents on rear of console... my gauges are intermitten.... and not needed as we are either empty or full... the pumps on my pan are cheep... usually replace fill pump every year...

[Watarski]

RE: Ballast tank issues

that's what I noticed...yesterday was the first time I never saw the water coming out of the vents, indicating full. I'm wondering if the intake is blocked and if that is even possible? Maybe somewhere else is blocked??

[Watarski]

RE: Ballast tank issues

No one has had issues with the ballast guages and pumps??

[jchamlin]

RE: Ballast tank issues

I've had some problems with the ballast. Recently, I've noticed that running the pump to fill the ballast does not seem to do anything. I can run it for a few minutes without hearing the gurgling noise, which would indicate it's filling. If I drive around for a few minutes, I can start to hear the noise and then the pump seems to work fine. It could be, on mine, that I'm not waiting long enough for the pump to fill enough of the ballast to hear the gurgling noise, but I don't want to burn out the pump.

Can you remove the back seat or get to where you can see the tanks...maybe you can physically see if there is any water going in there.

[Watarski]

RE: Ballast tank issues

In my manual it says you have to be moving to prime the pump...that's why you're hearing it after driving. I'm probably going to have to order new gauges as well and hope that helps half the problem.

[Watarski]

RE: Ballast tank issues

Alright, how about this. If I wanted to lube the slider on the ballast sending unit (the part that sits inside), what would do the job correctly without leaving tons of residue in the tank?

[Dr.John]

RE: Ballast tank issues

Silicone grease. BTW, what does it look like? I might have yet another fabulous idea! Yellow_Flash_Colorz:

[Watarski]

RE: Ballast tank issues

the sending unit?

[Joesboatn]

when you pull the sending unit off the top of the tankand slide the slider to the top does the gauge then read full? If it does then the tank is either not full or the slider is not floating.

[Dr.John]

Re: RE: Ballast tank issues

the sending unit?

Yes, the sending unit. I.E., where were you going to place the lube?
I was thinking it might be possible to put a piece of teflon or teflon tubing where it was sticking.

BTW, Joesboatn has a good idea.