2006 SV-211 Ballast Tank Gauge and Pump Issue

[Jake Holt]

Port side ballast tank pump works and tank fills. However, despite being full, the gauge reads empty. The gauge has power to it....but just reads empty. Thus, the system will now not let the pump turn on to empty tank as it thinks it is empty. Is there a way to override this system fail safe? Is this a gauge sending unit issue for that tank? Do I just need to install a new sending unit, or can the existing be fixed somehow? If I need a new one, where do I order from?

Thx.

[nukemustang]

I dont think the system "knows" the tanks are full or empty. I know on a 07 the pumps were on timers, so I could push the button to empty the tanks and the pump would run for 3 minutes even if the tank was empty. I would check to make sure the pump is not dead, check for 12V at the plug and go from there.

I think you can buy the level sensors from nautiqueparts.com if you really care to know the level in the tank. There are multiple sizes for the level sensors.

https://www.nautiqueparts.com/?s=bal...t_type=product

[Jake Holt]

The pump is fine. For my boat, when the tank is full and you turn on the pump to empty, the pump will run continuously until the tank is empty. Once the tank is empty, the pump automatically shuts off (which must be controlled by the gauge reading......it doesn't appear to be a timer thing for my boat). Furthermore, once the gauge reads empty, the pump will not turn on if you try to start pump in drain mode........it will only turn on for fill mode. Thus, with my gauge reading empty (with a full tank), it will not turn on to drain.

[enjoinick]

I read somewhere on this forum you can override it by switch the wires with one of your other gauges that are full, might be able to jump them as well. On my 07 the switch/pumps perform how nukemustang described. Permanent solution would be checking the level sensor to see if it got stuck, wires loose, or needs replace. Also might want to check and make sure wires to the gauge are connect and not loose.

[Jake Holt]

I ordered a new sending unit.....I hope that works.

[TechBeer]

I know this is an old thread but I have exactly the same issue on my 2006 SV211TE. I know they work as Jake outlines because my starboard gauge is intermittent. When the needle jumps up the pump goes on. When the needle reads zero the pump stays off. Jake, how did you fix it? Was it the sender unit? Did you pull it out to see if it was damaged? My starboard unit is intermittent, my port unit is dead, and my belly unit works fine. Ugh!! I think I'm going to solder up some jumper wires with connectors so I can reverse the polarity temporarily at the pump wiring. This would allow me to empty the tanks in a pinch by flipping the switch to "fill".