1999 X22 Ballast Issue

[Bobmac]

I have a '99 X22 I bought a couple of years ago from "Extruop" on the site here.  The boat has been excellent.  The previous owner put in his custom ballast system with 3 pumps.  The two pumps in the trunk are Jabsco pumps each hooked to 50 gallon fly hi sacs.  Every spring I have a hard time getting them to draw water.  They will spin to empty the dry bags but they don't pull water in.  Last season they just started working after a few days out but today was the second day and they seem tighter than last year.  I am an admitted "noob" to boating but wondered if anyone might have any ideas of tricks I might try?  Should I undo the sac hose and put some water in each bag and draw that through the pump to prime them or something?  Any ideas are appreciated.

Thanks and this is a great site.
 

[cyclone]

The jabsco pumps have issues reversing sometimes, as they are impeller pumps and the impellers take a set. They can also burn up impellers if you run them dry. You can replace the impellers with a yellow one that is supposed to be more durable, the Mastercraft guys are good sources of info as those boats have used impeller pumps for years (after Toyota;) You can get info and impellers from your local MC dealer.

There are two basic models of Jabsco pumps, one is the Water Puppy and the slightly larger model is called the Ballast Puppy. I think you can buy stock impellers from West Marine. I think they are different for each model.

You can access the impeller by removing the three screws and the brass plate. You might try pulling them out and lubing them with silicone or dish soap, then putting them back in, that'll usually get them working for a while. 

Hope that helps!!

[Bobmac]

Thanks for the information Cyclone.  I will swap in some new impellers later this week.  I appreciate the quick help.  Thanks!

[Bobmac]

Cyclone...great advice.  The impellers showed wear and swapped in new ones and the system is working great now.  Thanks for the quick and accurate advise.

Bob