Water pump/newbie questions

[Baldman]

I just bought a 2001 Jayco Designer Legacy 3610RLTS, but we haven't been able to use it yet.

I have decided to go ahead and winterize it and not real sure about doing it. It has a 2088 Shurflo pump, but it doesn't seem to make noise or pump (air or water). When I have the switch on the pump gets warm.

It has the provision to pump from antifreeze bottle and the water heater has the bypass.

Now the tricky part... the valve on the fresh water holding tank is broken and I can't, or probably just don't know how to, get the pump to work.

So, what should I concentrate on to get it winterized? New pump? I know this is a long and stupid first post, but I'm tired of chasing my tail.

Any and all help, info and suggestions will be appreciated!

Thanks!

[mike837go]

When running on air, the pump should make a soft thrumming noise, not even as loud as normal human speech.


If the pump isn't making any noise whatsoever and just getting warm, it needs to be serviced or replaced (pump jammed or motor shot).


Although, I would be suspicious of 'getting warm' and do a voltage check to the pump and whether the pressure switch is completing the circuit.


Forget winterizing until you have a functional pump.

[Jagiven]

You need a pump to winterize. That is where I would start. My pump makes noise even when trying to pump dry. To test the pump you could take a bucket of clean water and use the Antifreeze port to suck up the water and verify the pump works. Also check the screen filter at the pump. If it is cracked, not on tight the pump will not draw water or not very well. Also check the valve directions, to ensure it is not deadheaded or flipped in wrong directions.

Warm motor does indicate power. So you might have a bad pump, they are designed to run dry. I believe I have heard there are rebuild kits for that pump, so you could pull it, and bench test it. Decide on a new pump or rebuild the one you have. The hardest part of the job is getting the pump out on many of the TTs

Good luck

[bedrck46]

Originally Posted by mike837go

Forget winterizing until you have a functional pump.

I would not forget winterizing until you have a functional pump.

However I would at least blow out all the lines with air to make sure you don't have any problems Then when you get the pump repaired or replaced the go ahead and winterize using the pink stuff.

[mike837go]

Originally Posted by Jagiven

...snip...
The hardest part of the job is getting the pump out on many of the TTs

I'd argue that the toughest part is connecting the pipes to the pump during the reinstall.

Even putting the same pump back, the pipes either won't reach or they twist out of position when you try to align them to the fittings on the pump.

Then, when the pipes are connected, the mounting holes moved!

[Baldman]

Thanks, everyone!

Buy same pump or is there an upgrade that you recommend that bolts in without modifications?

I'm gonna replace and hopefully have a spare/backup if old one is rebuildable.

[mike837go]

Originally Posted by Baldman

Thanks, everyone!

Buy same pump or is there an upgrade that you recommend that bolts in without modifications?

I'm gonna replace and hopefully have a spare/backup if old one is rebuildable.

Pull the old one first. Measure and write down the inside diameter of the fittings and hoses. Take the pump and hose sizes with you. Some have NPT connectors, some have barbed fittings. The replacement will probably be NPT with installable adapters.

As long as the replacement has an equal or better GPH rating, you can use it. If they don't stock one with the same fittings, be prepared to modify your RV.

[Camper_bob]

I might also recommend getting the "silencing" kit with the new pump. Not necessarily for silencing anything, but because the hoses are flexible. When you go to install the new pump, you'll appreciate that flexible interface between the pump and your hard-plumbed PEX piping.

Also, if you use your pump a lot, I would recommend an accumulator tank. I installed one earlier this year, and it made a HUGE difference in the amount of noise the pump creates. The only thing I regretted was not getting the "silencing" kit at the same time. It was difficult to get everything installed with the hoses as they were.

[Baldman]

Thanks again!

[Baldman]

Just checking back in to give an update. ShurFlo 2088 has been replaced with their newer model 4008.

No problems installing and I now have it winterized.

Thanks again for the help and suggestions!
Bill