"Somewhat Stock" Ballast Pump Priming Issues
I'd say about 70% of the time we go out, I have issues with my empty pumps on my ballast bags, more often than not the rear sacks. It seems they get air locked often, and I have hassle with them to get them to finall pump (flipping the switch numerous times, jockying the bags around, etc).
I did replace the factory Rule pumps with Tsunami pumps, but that didn't seem to solve the problem - it went from 80% of the time to 70% with the air lock issue. The pumps are below the bags, in the same location as the stock pumps. The drain lines aren't kinked at all either. Once I do get them to pump, they pump very well - it's just getting them to pump that is the issue.
I do drain the bags completely once I get home (if there's any water left in them), and sometimes completely remove them to help with drying the carpet out in the rear compartments, and suck out any water that is stuck in the ski locker.
I don't have any issues wth fill or drain times, so I am not yet ready to go the route of replacing the entire system with reversible pumps, though I probably should.
Have any of your guys with stock or close to stock ballast systems had this issue? If so, is there anything that you that helped with it??
Appreciate any info.
"Somewhat Stock" Ballast Pump Priming Issues
I would move the pumps as close to the bag as possible. Have it connected right to the fitting ( use a 90 degree fly high fitting and them make sure the outlet is pointed straight up. In my experience the rule 1100 works so much better than any tsunami pump I've used when it comes to air locking. My $.02.
The stock configuration actually has the pump upside down which is the most prone to air locking couple with the pump being 2 or more feet away from the bag.
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Re: "Somewhat Stock" Ballast Pump Priming Issues
Just wondering if you could add check valves to the vents like the guys with reversibles are doing. No way for air to enter the bags when draining, therefore no airlock. I am thinking about doing this to mine.
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Re: "Somewhat Stock" Ballast Pump Priming Issues
Squeeg333 - If the pump itself is laying horizontal, then the outlet needs to be horizontal and on the top side of the pump. If the outlet is vertical, then the hole for the outlet inside the pump would be lower than the top of the pump cavity, which would cause air to be trapped there. You are probably getting the water to shake and burp the air inside the pump when you turn them on an off.