Ballast pump running, no water

[bp_nola]

Before I spend $300+ on a new ballast pump, I am wondering if anyone has any thoughts on why the ballast pump would come on, sounds normal but won't fill the tank. I am going to check the impeller later today - anything else I should be checking?

Thanks for your help.

06 SV-211

[MN Ryan]

Is this fresh off of winterization? Have you checked the valve next to the through-hul fitting? I had this issue with one of mine the first time I launched this year. I just opened and closed the valve a few times and agitated the hose a bit and it started pumping. I assume it just got air-locked from winterization/7+ months of storage.

[bp_nola]

Thanks. It wasn't winterized. However, I was having some electrical issues so the pumps have not been used in some time, so may have the same issue. I will give that a try.

Thanks, again.

[MN Ryan]

Hopefully, that's all it is. If that doesn't work, I would try manually putting some water into the tank/bag and then emptying with the pump. That should should prime it. If that fails, I'd check the impeller in the pump.

[BreezyE21]

Having this same issue. Ryan, can you explain how to open and close the valve near the through hull fitting?? Don't see where I can open anything. Thanks in advance!

[jkallen21]

On an 06 this sounds like the impeller for sure. It’s easy to check - just pull the bottom off the pump and pull it out.

[swatguy]

Get some vasaline or some Impellar lube and lube up the housing with a thin coat and the Impellar. If they have sat for while they’re probably dried out. To get good suction and seals they need to be lubed