96 ZX180 questions as a new owner on live well operations

[geno368]

I have just purchased a 96 ZX180 and am fixing it up for catching large fishes(lol)
All the control panel lettering is faded out and I am having trouble figuring out how to set up the system. This rig has 2 remote livewell drain valves and when I try to close them, they still leak down. Does anyone else have this type system to help me figure out how to troubleshoot the valves?
Also, my auto timers don't work on the livewells and I don't know how to fix them.
I appreciate all the help I can get....This is my second great Skeeter...my first was a Wrangler 150...lol...I love Skeeter Boats!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bandit53]

I have a 94 ZX200 and assume your livewell switch setup is similar if not identical. The livewell drain valves are located in the sump area of the battery compartment and require replacement periodically due to leakage. I can't address how difficult they are to replace as I had my dealer replace mine.

My livewells are controlled by 4 - 2 way switches. Each livewell has 2 switches. 1 switch is to fill with freshwater and the other switch is to recirculate. Each switch has a manual function and an auto function. The auto function timing is controlled by the timer, which requires replacement periodically (I had to replace mine after about 10 years). The timer is available from a Skeeter dealer. You can easily replace it yourself.

FWIW, I run mine as follows. Initially I place my switch in the manuel freshwater position. Once the livewell is filled, I place the freshwater switch in the auto function so that freshwater is being placed in the livewells periodically. Anytime I am moving from fishing spot to fishing spot or trailering, I place the freshwater switch in the off position and place the recirculating switch in the manual position.

Since the panel labeling is faded out, mine is arranged as follows. Facing the dash panel, from left to right, the fresh water switches would be the first and third switch, the recirculating switches would be the second and fourth switches. For each switch the manual position is when the top of the switch is pushed down and the auto position is when the bottom of the switch is pushed down.

Hope this helps.

[geno368]

Thank you for the response. My boat has 2 livewell drain valves loacated on the side of the boat next to the driver and passenger's right and left foot respectively. When I switch them to the closed position, they still leak down slowly. Do I need to replace them or is this normal? I have a dry well after about 30 minutes and the automatic switches don't work for recirculate or fresh fill. Where are the timers located?
Thanks, again

[NASCAR24]

i have the same boat as your's. the timer is on the bow panel . the timer controls the recirc pump's and the aerator pump's. if you look there is a topic on here in the last week on this . you can get some info that might help you out.

[bandit53]

The livewell drain valves need to be replaced.