Baitwell problem - searched and still baffled...

[Katsuo]

I have a 2006 195CC. Last weekend we filled the baitwell, loaded bait, and headed out to the fishing grounds. After a 30 minute run, I lifted the lid to pin on a bait, and discovered it had all rolled. The pump was running, but there was no waterflow from the inlet. In fact, most of the water had siphoned back out the open valve. I ditched the bait and decided to fix it this weekend

Today, after searching this site, and reading every post related to "baitwell, livewell, seacock, and Rule", I attempted to diagnose and repair the problem. I stuck a hose in the through hull under the boat and ran some water at a low flow rate. The pump runs, but doesn't pump any water, and won't fill the tank. Only when I turned the hose on full blast was I able to fill the tank. I pulled the pump out of the housing, and the impeller spins fine. The washdown works fine. The seacock is fully open, and unclogged. There are no clogs in the drain line, the thru-hull, the overflow in the tank, or the line running between the tank and the pump. I don't see any cracks in the housing for the pump, and the hose clamps are nice and tight. Clearly there's something preventing the pump from generating good suction.





Any ideas? My dealer is a 2hr drive away, so I'd really like to fix this myself. I'm hesitant to just buy a new pump, not so much for the money, but because I don't think the current one is bad. I have also found out that the OEM Rule livewell aerator is a 700GPH model, and is no longer available. They are now supplying an 800GPH model.

Thanks,

[k9reno]

I had a problem with my bilge pump once not pumping. I cleaned it out, checked for clogs, and the impeller spun freely. I found however that the impeller had broken free inside the pump and would spin easily, but no when there was resistance against it. I think water in it froze that winter and caused it. I dont think that would be an issue for you though.

[Katsuo]

I've read that some people are having problems with the shaft rusting out, which can cause the impeller not to spin under load. But I put the pump in a bucket of water just to test it, and it spins plenty strong, and moves a ton of water.

[rudderhinge]

Katsuo, after reading the things that you checked the pump should pump. I can only think of a couple of other things that would keep it from pumping.
Have you did anything to the 12 volt power to the pump. If the power is hooked up backwards the pump will run but not pump. Make sure that the pump impeller is spinning in the right direction.
If your wash down system has a leak in it then your baitwell could be sucking air, loose suction and then it will not pump. Also be sure to check and see if the ring seal between the baitwell pump head and the pump base is in place, if not it will not pump. I have seen the housing cracked at the barbed nippel where the hoses slip on and suck air.
Let us know what you find or not find. Im sure you will find the problem. Good luck, Bob

[2007Triumph]

Had a similar problem on a brand new 190 bay boat with the exact same aerator pump. It ended up being a small crack in the pump cartridge. I figured it should have warranty so I emailed Rule customer service which took about two seconds, below is the response I received the following day! Excellent customer service.

Hi Brad:

Thanks for your note. And, yes, we stand behind our product. I will get another cartridge out to you. It should take about two weeks. Please call me if you have other questions or concerns.

Best regards,

Andrew ######
ITT Rule

[Katsuo]

...from my dealer. They always come through. We'll be installing it tomorrow to see if that solves the problem.

[Putershark]

Glad to see you got it repaired and very happy to see another vendor standing behind the product!
I guess I better check mine just to make sure it does work this since I never have had any problems with my Rapala's rolling over and dieing in my boat