Reversable Jabsco ballast pumps - sometimes not reversing

AndyDeeJay · Outlaw Joined: 20 Jul 2004 Posts: 239 City: Belfast

Last year I installed 3 reversable pumps. This year the neoprine impellors sometimes dont flop to allow the motor to change direction. At the start of the day I have to run them in empty first for a few seconds then they will flop when switched to fill. Bit of a pain really as I have to shut of the engine and listen carefully to each pump to make sure each is actually running and not sitting stalled.

Is there anything that can be done externally like a one off fill of washing up liquid or oil to lubricate the impellors. It is difficult to get at the pumps as they are behind the exhaust silencer.

Thanks

oshensurfer · Posted: Jul 12, 2005 12:09 pm Post subject:

Have the same problem and have not been able to mediate the problem other than doing what you do. I also spray them 2-3 times per season with silicone lube inside the impellar housing.

One other thing, when you are emptying or filling. Flip the direction at that time so that when you start them up again, they will start a little easier.

jklein · Posted: Jul 12, 2005 2:03 pm Post subject:

My jabsco has the same issue. In fact, if I flip it to the opposite direction right after running it for a long time (like if I've just filled or just emptied), it will usually not flip. If I wait about 20 or 30 seconds, then try it, it flips a lot easier.

It's kind of frustrating.

make-a-wake · Newbie Joined: 18 Nov 2004 Posts: 25 City: bowling green

Most of the time it is due to low voltage at the pump. The motor on the pump has enough torque to reverse the impellers if there is 12 volts at the motor. If you have a long run between the battery and the switches or a long run from the swithes to the pumps and don't have large enough AWG wre to handle the current you will get a voltage drop across the wire. Increase the size of your wire, be carefull where you pick up the 12 volts under the dash. If you don't have a power buss under your dash its best to run one or use relays to control your pumps.

gmarkham1 · Addict Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 505 City: janesville

it seems like more often then not it is the gauge of the wire that was used to hook up the pumps... you need to at least 12 gauge wire if not 10. I never flip my pumps after filling or draining and never have a prob!

AndyDeeJay · Outlaw Joined: 20 Jul 2004 Posts: 239 City: Belfast

I have 8 AWG directly from the battery to a distribution block. This feeds the 4 switches. There is 30A cable from the switches down to the pumps. I will however check the volts at the pumps when running.

The funny thing is this never used to happen - maybe the impellors are worn....but after a year (about a dozen fill/empties???)

gmarkham1 · Addict Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 505 City: janesville

I think you should consider upgrading the wire from the switches to the pumps!

chevydude19852003 · Newbie Joined: 05 Apr 2005 Posts: 41 City: Fort Seward

I just spent 250 on a new pump and switches and wiring and the brand new pump is already stuck in one position and it only filled my ballast one time i have not ran an entire weekend this year with a full ballast. BOAT (Bust Out Another Thousand)