Ballast Pump Discussion

[Flyer]

Hey Guys!

Ok, so are there any aftermarket reversable ballast pumps available to replace my '05 X-10 pumps?

Sure they work when they work and yes, the new yellow impellors seem to last longer, but they still crap out or the pump motors leak or fail.
We turn our pumps off when they sputter (ie. when the bag is almost empty) so we don't run them dry, but still aren't happy with the product.

Is there not a high end, reliable, bullet proof pump made?

I've replaced 3 impellors so far and my starboard pump is now leaking, so any adivce would be appreciated.

As an aside, the new '07 boats will have timers so the pumps will be somewhat protected, but I believe the quality of pumps and impellors are still only fair.

Great morning up here in Canada!
Cheers and thanks in advance.

[NeilM]

Flyer,
After years of being plagued with ballast pump problems, the yellow impellers seemed to be the answer for me. I haven't had a lick of problems this year since installing them.
I do find it frustrating that you can't 'fill on the fly' and that it takes a long time to fill one pump at a time.
As far as the leaky pump goes - check for damage from freezing -- it's pretty hard to get all of the water out of the system -- I'm to the point that I remove the impellers for the winter after pumping in RV antifreeze, just to be safe. I had one of my pump motors rebuilt at a motor/alternator rewinding place at the beginning of last season, and it's by far my strongest pump now.
Also, some folks have re-wired the circuit with heavier-gauge wire with some success.

I haven't found alternative pumps, but if you do come up with a good solution, let us know.

[Flyer]

Ok, thanks for the speedy reply.

Just got off the phone with Charlotte Mastercraft guy.

They recommend replacing the impellors each year. Good idea, but sure would be nice to have metal (maybe flexing aluminum) impellors, that way they might last 3-5 years.

Just an idea.

[Kell]

Does MC use Simer reversible pumps as OEM? I've read here and elsewhere about these Simer pumps being pretty good.

[P-hat_in_Cincy]

Does MC use Simer reversible pumps as OEM? I've read here and elsewhere about these Simer pumps being pretty good.

I'm pretty sure they are Jabsco. The Jabsco MC uses are ingnition protected. Simers are not, so you have to be careful of placement.

FWIW, I used Simers in my custom install and they have performed well.

[Kell]

I'm pretty sure they are Jabsco. The Jabsco MC uses are ingnition protected. Simers are not, so you have to be careful of placement.

FWIW, I used Simers in my custom install and they have performed well. That good info P-hat_in_Cincy, thanks.

[DuaneS]

P-hat, I followed fairly close your custom installation of your ballast system and am very happy with the installation and my Simer pumps. The only thing that gives me concern is that when I operate two pumps at a time the amp drop is significant. In fact its such a drop that my PP and radio drops off line. The simer pump manufacturer recommends that you use cooking oil to lube the impeller before every use. I think I'll plan on monthly lubing.:)

[P-hat_in_Cincy]

I think it's fairly typical of an impeller pump to draw amps. I'm able to run all 4 pumps at one time (although I start them individually) as long as my RPM are above 1000. If I'm at idle, waiting for something while filling, I bump the RPMS up to make sure my Voltmeter reads above 13.

If you want low power requirements and no fear of impeller failure, then aerators are the way to go...plus they are much faster. However, it brings in other 'system issues', like non-reversable, check valve requirements, etc...

Thanks for the info on the vegetable oil. Maybe I'll have to find a way to 'prime' the pumps with lube...

[Kell]

P-hat, I followed fairly close your custom installation of your ballast system and am very happy with the installation and my Simer pumps. The only thing that gives me concern is that when I operate two pumps at a time the amp drop is significant. In fact its such a drop that my PP and radio drops off line. The simer pump manufacturer recommends that you use cooking oil to lube the impeller before every use. I think I'll plan on monthly lubing.:)Duane, did you take pics of your install. I think installing ballast will be my winter project and would love to see where you installed everything as we have the same Maristar.

[Diesel]

They are Jabsco

http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/8565/dsc02101r8ha.jpg

[DuaneS]

Sure Kell, I'll get some pics this weekend. P-hat did a great job detailing his install and I did have to adjust the install for a Maristar. Not sure how to link this thread to his link but look for his install for the materials list.

[Kell]

Sure Kell, I'll get some pics this weekend. P-hat did a great job detailing his install and I did have to adjust the install for a Maristar. Not sure how to link this thread to his link but look for his install for the materials list.I've found P-hat's install and have it printed out for reference, but pics of your install will be very helpful. Thanks a bunch.

[P-hat_in_Cincy]

Just so you have one of the most recent/up-to-date, here is a link...

http://www.wakesiderides.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=17225

You can also get to it by the link in my profile and click on "HERE" in the ballast section.

There is a heater install thread I did too if you decide on that project. Just click on "HERE" by the picture of the heater (in the link in my profile) and it'll take you to it.

Hope it helps.

[Hoff1]

As far as self-priming pumps go, I don't think you can find a bulletproof one. That's just their nature to go through impellers when run dry. Aerators are the way to go as P-hat mentioned in regards to less problems. But, they are less of a auto system requiring priming and some manual reversing process.

[Flyer]

Ok,

Removed the latest pump, sure enough-- found bits and peices of an old black impellor iniside.
Got them out, the yellow impellor is still in good shape.
Thanks again for the replies.

[P-hat_in_Cincy]

Try to make sure you get all the pieces out of the system so one doesn't work it's way back in the impeller housing and cause a failure.

[Utahfoiler]

Where are the ballast impellers located to change?

[P-hat_in_Cincy]

They are located at the 'top' of the pump assembly. For Jabscos, I think there are 3 brass screws (BE CAREFUL TIGHTENING!) . For Simers, see the following picture...