Livewell problems!!!

This topic has 9 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 17 years ago by Bass Cat Boats.

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May 22, 2009 at 3:57 pm #264332

riverrat964
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ProblemLive well aerator was making a loud noise screeching sound and the water flow into the Live well was pulsating (medium flow for a couple seconds then the water pressure would drop acting like it ran itself dry. I figured I had trash in the piping system.Method of Action #1I then proceeded to try in flush it out by removing the aerator screen in the Live well and also the aerator cartridge. Then I flushed it with a garden hose inserted into the hole inside the Live well.Results#1I managed to flush some debris out of the piping and aerator housing such as crawfish part, scales, and a small amount of grass. After replacing the cartridge the results were slightly better if not the same. I began to think the problem was a restriction between the aerator and the spray bars.Method of Action #2I open up the valves on the end of the spray bars and the water was passing trough but if it was going any slower it would have been a constant drip. So I then removed the aerator cartridge and used the garden hose to back flush the system through the spray bar valves.Results#2I managed to flush out a good amount of scales and other debris. I replaced the aerator cartridge, filled the live wells and let her run. It ran good for about two minutes. The water flow through the spray bar valves were good and the 1/8 inch holes in the spray bar were good also. Then it returned to pulsating again but this time it would start off with a high pressure spray then drop, again acting like it ran itself dry. I then began to think a restriction is occurring in the two position automatic valve.Method of Action #3I repeated the Method of Action #1. I also removed the piping between the well and the two position valve and flushed from the cartridge housing towards the valve. I did this with the valve both in the automatic and empty position.Results#3 It now takes a good 30 seconds for the pump to prime even after turning off and back on. When the valve is in the empty position the water flow is auspicious and the aerator sounds good. When in the automatic position the flow begins to pulsate again. What to do Now?I have yet to remove the valve from the boat. Is it possible to take apart the valve and diagnose the problem from there, or do I have to buy a new valve?Last edited by riverrat964 on May 22nd, 2009, 5:19 pm, edited 1 time in total.

May 22, 2009 at 5:44 pm #264333

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Switch the bilge pump cartridge and the aerator pump cartridge and see if the impeller is spun on the shaft or you have other motor issues. You can also use the bilge wiring to run the cartridge also to check voltage supply. BCB

May 22, 2009 at 7:26 pm #264334

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Tried switching the bilge pump cartridge with the aerator pump cartridge and the same problem still exsits. It seems like the problem is in the valve. When the actuator is in the empty position the pump primes immediately and the water pressure is like it should be. When the actuator is in the automatic position it wont prime at all now unless I force water to it with the hose. Once primed in the automatic position it is still pulsating. Can this valve be taken apart to see if the flow direction ball inside is misaligned?

May 22, 2009 at 7:46 pm #264335

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

It could be the cable slipped, though we dont think anything else would be wrong. The valve flapper could be an issue and they can be replaced, or you can replace the valve. BCB

May 22, 2009 at 7:53 pm #264336

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

What is the best way to test for cable slippage and how to fix it? Where can I go to order a new flapper?

May 22, 2009 at 8:13 pm #264337

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Flowrite would be the company on the flapper, we only stock the complete valve here. The cable slips in the mounting on the valve where the jacket is tensioned. One screw holds it in place. BCB

May 22, 2009 at 9:01 pm #264338

riverrat964
Participant

Alrighty Ill give that a try and if that doesnt work Ill check with flow rite and to see about a flapper. I want to thank you for all the help!!! It is much appreciated and Im proud to be part of the family!

May 23, 2009 at 12:34 pm #264339

Sheff
Participant

You could possibly have a crack somewhere. Check cartridge housings, and hoses, fittings on the suction side. If there is a leak it will be abear to prime and the pulsating could be the intermittent sucking of air. Hope this helps! Sheff

May 23, 2009 at 3:38 pm #264340

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

got it working. Not sure what was exactly caused this problem but I think i had a flapper in the valve got stuck. After three hours of taking the valve out and disassembling it three or four times it finally started acting right. Im gonna keeep my fingers crossed hoping I remede the problem for good.

May 23, 2009 at 3:39 pm #264341

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

GOOD!
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