Major ballast problems 2002 SANTE

[caseonthelake86]

Today my whole engine compartment kept filling almost completely over the engine while filling ballast! I turned off the tanks and bilged the water out (lots). So later on today I further research the problem and learn that the left side pump under the ballast has snapped at the fitting to the ballast tank...what are my options? I will definetly have to get a new pump I know, but the fitting is stuck, almost welded inside the side of the tank where they used to meet. Will I need a whole new tank and pump? Is this kind of thing covered by waranty? Thanks for the help...
-casey-

[Andrew]

RE: Major ballast problems 2002 SANTE

i don't know about ur pump issues, but u better get all that water out of the engine!

u'll need to drain the oil, refill, drain, refill several times until u get all of the water out of the oil. then, u'll need to remove all the spark plugs and fill each sylinder with starter fluid. let it sit a while and allow for all the starter fluid to evaporate. repeat this process several times until all of the water is removed from each cylinder. after u dry out the cylinders, u'll need to coat them with wd-40 or some kind of lubricant to prevent from damaging the cylinder wall. u'll also need to drain all the tranny fluid and refill/drain until all of the water is removed from the tranny. DO NOT RUN YOUR ENGINE BEFORE DOING THIS. it could cause catastrophic damage by binding in a hydro-lock. this could result in a number of cracked, warped, or broken engine parts.

[Flux]

You could probably drill out the fitting and glue another one in there. Not sure what kind of glue to use though.

I have some leaky hoses some place after I customized my ballast. I keep my bilge on all the time while I have ballast loaded. Seems silly I know, but it works.

All the way over the engine?? Holy toledo!!!

[Hollywood]

Re: RE: Major ballast problems 2002 SANTE

u'll need to coat them with wd-40 or some kind of lubricant to prevent from damaging the cylinder wall.

I would definitely advise against spraying WD-40 into a combustion chamber.

[ag4ever]

Re: Major ballast problems 2002 SANTE

Today my whole engine compartment kept filling almost completely over the engine while filling ballast! -casey-

Correct me if I am wrong, but if the water was over the engine, then would it not also be about at your waist or higher inside the cockpit of the boat?

I think you mean it was filling up to over the oil pan or such, but I sereously doubt you could get water over the engine and not know it well before then.

If the fitting just broke off outside the tank, and it was not the tank taht broke, you can carefully cut out the old fitting if it will not unscrew out. Don't cut into the threads of the tank.

[caseonthelake86]

RE: Re: Major ballast problems 2002 SANTE

I guess you are right, the water was over the oil pan and such...it never went as high as the alternator or pulleys, but close. When you see that in your boat it is kind of scary nonetheless!

[EarlyRiser]

RE: Re: Major ballast problems 2002 SANTE

IT IS! There may be a hard plastic hex nut to loosen, or with some vice grips you can twist out the pump. Otherwise, call & make an appt with your dealer. If you keep any bag, blocks, etc on the hard tanks, they may suffice for weight. ER