Ballast Pump Slow to Fill, Quick to Drain?

[Dandy]

Hi everyone. I tried to find answers relative to this, by searching the forum, but didn't stumble upon anything. If there is something already out there, feel free to simply share the link. Onto my issue.
-2013 Z1 w/Pro Ballast, mid year build so it has the larger pumps and hose sizes.
-When we took delivery of the boat, the dealer randomly increased the pump timers on the boat. Typically all of the ballast is full well before the display indicates as such.
-The last 2 trips out, the rear port (left) side is filling much slower, the display now shows it is 100% when the sac is only about 1/2 full. It does eventually fill, but is taking longer.
-Maybe it is just me, but it seems as if it drains as fast as it used to. Not really sure how to gauge it as I never put a timer to it.
-Does the same pump fill and drain each sac? If so, what should I look for that might cause it to fill slower than drain, or is that unlikely and it is actually just in my crazy head?
-How do I determine which pump goes to which sac?

I know that these are basic questions, but we have only had the boat since the beginning of July and this is our first inboard. Thanks for your patience!

Most the time we are not in a hurry and don't mind waiting around for things to fill, but it seems to be getting longer than we have patience for.

Thanks in advance for all of your help, I am sure there will be plenty of good suggestions. All of you out there helping everyone are the BEST!

-Dan

[mnpracing]

The drain and fill pumps are separate. The fill pumps will be in the bilge area, and the drain pumps will be at the bottom rear of each tank/bag. There aren't strainers on the fill pumps, so you could check the pump for weeds. The pump head will turn counterclockwise and you can remove the pump motor from the pump body to inspect it (if you are on the water, turn off the ball valve before you remove the pump motor). I've had weeds stuck in there before that either stopped or restricted water flow. To figure out which pump goes to which sac, have the floor propped up, and turn on each fill pump separately so you can see which is which.

[boardman74]

I bet Mike is right. I have also picked up weeds which slow them down. If it was a front I would say maybe a bag twisted and it can't fill totally. But that can't happen in the back. I would verify that all hoses are free just by visually inspecting them.

[chpthril]

The timer adjustment in the TT only effects the rate the digital gauge populates. It does not control the speed of the pump. Due to head pressure on top of the fill pump, I would expect the drain cycle to be a little faster then the fill.

I agree with the above, check for something in the pump inlet and then a kinked fill hose. These can deff slow the flow

[Dandy]

Thanks for all of your responses. I had a chance to check it out over the weekend (off the water) and sure enough, there was some stuff wrapped around the impeller of the pump cartridge and also some stuff in the thru hull tube. It doesn’t take much to slow down those pumps!

Another question:
After pulling the cartridge out (pushing in red tab and turning), inspecting and then reinstalling, I noticed that originally the cartridge would not move in the housing. After taking it apart and reinstalling, the cartridge will turn slightly until the tab catches (about ¼”). I took apart another pump, turned hard initially and after reinserting and making sure it was latched, this would turn as well. Is this simply because the pump has not drawn product through to create a vacuum? Will this seal tight, or do I need to be concerned about water coming in? To be cautious, I did turn off the valve to these 2 pumps.

Another thing I noticed is that there is a section of wire stripped back on the brown lead of all 4 pumps. It looks as if they intended to tap in to these wires. Wanted to let you know, as this may be that way on many boats and should probably be sealed, since I am guessing the brown in + as the other wire is black. Having a short potential in the bilge near the fuel cell does not give me a good feeling.

[mnpracing]

just make sure it's latched and the motor is mating with the body all the way around where they meet. It will feel looser because the coating of grease has now been broken if you will. What you are seeing/feeling is normal.

[Dandy]

Thanks for the reply Mike (mn), that makes me feel better. I will still leave the valve off until we are on the water and can inspect, better than getting out on the water with a bilge filling. Thanks again!

[chpthril]

Dandy,

The pump housing is tapered. As the motor is seats into the housing, the pressure on the oring increases. As long as the oring is in place, and the motor snaps into place, you should be fine. A little movement is normal.

[Dandy]

Thanks for the confirmation another Mike (chp)!