Livewell Leaking Issue

[BassnMan Mike]

I went crappie fishing the other day, before trailering the Champion I made sure the livewell was full of water for the crappie, set the timer to auto, made sure the switch was in the closed position and pulled the boat out. We them wiped the boat down and drove to the fish cleaning station, which is about 2 miles away. When I opened the livewell probably about 95% of the water was gone and alot of the crappie were high and dry. I do remember noticing water on the ground before we left the launch ramp area so I know its not leaking into the bilge

Come to think of it, during the day with the switch moved to close and aerator on auto, I seem to recall that the water wouldnt stay at a certain level and at times I had to add water.

What do I need to check and how, to fix this issue, oh yeah, 2008 210 Elite.

Thanks!

BTW, the crappie sure were tasty!

[Tx Champ]

Could be a couple of items ...

1. Trash in the valve. you may could try to back flush from the drain on the step of the pad. You would need to remove the screen there and in your livewell. If that doesn't work, you'll have to go bilge diving to open up the valve and check for trash.

2. The cable needs to be adjusted. Requires bilge diving to loosen the collar that holds the cable sheath in place and rotate the valve arm until the water quits draining, then tighten it back up. Caution! There is a 6-32 fiber lock nut under the screw that holds the clamp. If you loosen it too much, you'll be diving deeper to retrieve it ... I know this because, I just went through the same ordeal on my 07 210 ...

More than likely #2 will be it, but #1 doesn't require removing all your batteries and oil tank. One other possibility is that the flappers need replacing. Not likely since we talking an 08 here. I would suggest having a Flow-Rite MA-060 Livewell Valve Repair Kit. It will have all the replacement parts you may need. Check your local dealer for one or you can order off of Flow-Rite's site.

[FEARTHETURTLE210]

since it was leaking out of boat i would have to check the valve that closes the livewell either at the hull or at the tank..water is getting out and it is not overflow.
Crappie can survive in no water. Friend took crappie home in bag w/no water he said he put in refrig and the next day they were still alive..Amazing..

[BassnMan Mike]

Thanks guys, hopefully just back flushing it will take care of my problem because I really hate bilge diving, what a pain.

Anyhow, how do I remove the screens, are they threaded and just twist off?

Thanks again

[Tx Champ]

The one on the step (outside) screws off and the one on the inside pulls out.

Inside livewell




On step of pad

[BassnMan Mike]

Thank you Very Much!

Last question, when back flushing, I assume that I would want to have the valve in the open position, correct?

[Tx Champ]

yes sir!

[BassnMan Mike]

Thanks again, now another last question, truthfully it might not be my last question on this subject, HA!

Might be a stupid question but which screen on the step, is for the livewell?

Gotta love the helpfull people here on BBC

[Lea]

put some water in the well and see which one it drains out of....

[Tx Champ]

What Lea said ... Further questions will cost you crappie ...

The livewell intake has a larger screen on it I believe. The overflow does not have a screen and the bilge drain, of course, has a screw in plug. I think 4 openiings are all that are down there.

[BassnMan Mike]

DOH! Guess I didnt take a second to think, that makes sense to me

[Lea]

Once in awhile, girls rule!

[BassnMan Mike]

Girls always rule, just ask my wife, HA!

Thanks again.