X2 Pumps Not working, please help

[Canadianwake]

I am new to boats with ballast pumps in them. I recently bought a 2004 x2 with the factory ballast in it(I am going to swap out for 750s in the rear in the winter). Today one of my rear pumps would not empty. It filled perfectly normal but when I flick the switch down to empty there is no noise made by the pump or anything and does not pump out. if I switch it back to fill the pump turns on and continues to fill. I pulled it off and checked the impeller and it seems brand new. What do you guys think the problem is? Do I need a new switch? Your help would be very much appreciated as I would like to get back out on the water.
Thanks
This is my pump

[wheelerd]

If you're handy with a multimeter you can do a couple of simple tests:

- check for voltage at the switch when in the Empty position
- check for voltage in the wiring at the pump

That should narrow things down pretty quickly.
If the pump works on Fill I don't think the problem is pump-related. You could try reversing the wiring at the switch and see if Fill operates Empty and v.v.

[ap77]

Was the engine running? These pumps like the engine running at 1200 rpm's.

[wheelerd]

Was the engine running? These pumps like the engine running at 1200 rpm's.

Never heard of that. I have the same pumps and often run all three with the engine off while getting ready for a surfing set.

[KyleNowad]

Was the engine running? These pumps like the engine running at 1200 rpm's.

I've heard those pumps like that RPM but how to people get that RPM?

My idle RPM is about 680. Do people put it in neutral and rev?

[Canadianwake]

If you're handy with a multimeter you can do a couple of simple tests:

- check for voltage at the switch when in the Empty position
- check for voltage in the wiring at the pump

That should narrow things down pretty quickly.
If the pump works on Fill I don't think the problem is pump-related. You could try reversing the wiring at the switch and see if Fill operates Empty and v.v.

Thanks for the help guys, Once I'm at my boat I will check to see if I'm getting voltage with the switch on off through the connector that goes to the pump. but what you say reverse the wiring at the switch do you simply mean switch the wires? If I'm getting no voltage do you guys think it is my wiring or a switch?

[Canadianwake]

Was the engine running? These pumps like the engine running at 1200 rpm's.

Yea I did try with engine running, I did not know about that it liked when it was running. Good to know. I just found it so weird because the pump works fine to fill

[tr6coug]

I would reverse the pump leads and switch it to fill. If it empties then its not the pump.

You can get replacement switches here:

http://greatlakesskipper.com/masterc...t-switch-cover

[wheelerd]

Thanks for the help guys, Once I'm at my boat I will check to see if I'm getting voltage with the switch on off through the connector that goes to the pump. but what you say reverse the wiring at the switch do you simply mean switch the wires? If I'm getting no voltage do you guys think it is my wiring or a switch?

You are obviously getting input voltage to the switch if it activates the pump's Fill function. With the switch in the Empty position there should be outgoing voltage detected on that post. If not, the switch is defective. That was why I suggested reversing the wiring at the back of the switch. Thinking further, that may not be possible -- I forget if the wiring that goes back to the pump uses a multi-plug to attach to the switch in which case it may not be reversible.

In any case, some basic probing with a multimeter will confirm whether you have voltage going to the pump when the switch is in the Empty position.

I'm not at home at the moment or I would pop one of my ballast switches and take a pic of what I mean.

If the switch checks out, then test the pump for continuity. If you have the pump out you can also momentarily apply 12v directly to the pump lead to see if it spins. Just take care that you don't get a spark since even 12v can fuse copper.

[ap77]

I've heard those pumps like that RPM but how to people get that RPM?

My idle RPM is about 680. Do people put it in neutral and rev?

Yes, rev in neutral. This recommendation is in the owners manual. Higher rpm's will ensure the ballast pumps are getting enough amps. Doesn't sound like this is the issue for the OP.

[willg]

The problem has to be in the wiring behind the switch if the pump runs in one direction. Reach back behind the armrest with the switch emptying (the direction that won't work) and jiggle the wires for the switch and see if it comes on. I had this happen a few times on my boat.

[willg]

This is how the pump/switch is wired.

https://www.wakemakers.com/resources/wiring-jabsco-puppy-pump-switches/

If the wiring isn't the problem, it's the switch. Very standard DPDT rocker switch. Used on almost all boats. The cover that says "ballast" pops off and you can swap it over to the new switch

http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Carling-Technologies/VJD1D66B-00000-000/?qs=4fBneOKlRHIV2ZFhI0eXBA%3d%3d

[Canadianwake]

Thanks for all your help guys, I am back at my boat next week so I will try checking voltage with a multimeter, then I will try checking out the wires and popping the switch cap off. is there enough room to see the wires behind the arm rest? or is it just a do by feel thing?

[wheelerd]

Once the switch cover is off -- do this gently to avoid breaking it -- you should be able to pop the switch out of the panel. There are two small friction tabs that secure it. Squeeze these and the switch will pop out. Then you will have access to the connections on the back of the switch.