Help with ballast problem please.

(millerda31) · (millerda31) **Join Date: Dec 2004** 06-24-2009, 12:15 PM

Greetings all,

I have an 07 MB B52V23 and I have a problem with the drivers side ballast.

The pump spins and the impeller is fine but the tank isn't filling with water. Today I removed both check valves and they are operating properly. I also was able to blow through the hoses and found no obstructions. I am really out of ideas.

I did find one small hole in the hose that runs from the pump to the tank. I removed the hose and plugged one end. Blowing through the other end I was able to feel air escaping from the hole. Would this small hole be enough to cause the tank not to fill by allowing air into the line?

I did cut the hose back past the hole and reinstalled it but I wont be able to get it in the water until next weekend.

Any other thoughts?

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(spencerwm) · (spencerwm) **Join Date: Feb 2009** 06-24-2009, 12:52 PM

Take the fill/drain hose off and turn the pump on. Do you get water shooting out of the pump. Might be an obstruction in the intake.

Next, hit the fill button and place your finger over the empty thru-hull fitting. If the system is sucking air into the drain hole you should replace the check valve. I came across an MB that had a similar issue. Changed the impeller, pulled the check valves and they all seemed to work. The system put more strain on the check valve and it was failing.

Also try taking the hose off of your passenger side pump and extending it to see if that pump will fill and drain your drives side ballast tank.

I guess just try to eliminate everything. Good luck!

Specner@wakemakers.com

(millerda31) · (millerda31) **Join Date: Dec 2004** 06-24-2009, 1:24 PM

Thanks Spencer,

I was able to blow through the hose that runs to the intake on the bottom of the boat without obstruction so I know it isn't that.

The through hull fitting for emptying is sucking a bit of air so I guess I'll change out the check valves.

Can't get the boat in the water til this weekend so I can't try pulling the hose off the pump to see if it is shooting water out.

I did pull all the check valves and blew through them. The ones from the problem side seem identical to the ones from the working side.

How long can I run the pump dry before damaging the impeller or burning up the pump?

Thanks for your suggestions.

(Message edited by Millerda31 on June 24, 2009)