RVAF suction problem

[JayX3]

What should I check? Have an SLX Jay Flight Swift and can't get the RVAF to pull through. Have done it in the past. Valves are set as follows: water heater bypass open., pump converter open, cold water in, hot water out, and freshwater tank in all closed. All valves are the opposite of normal use setting. Battery is charged, pump switch is on and pump runs/hums, but no suction through the tubing. No leaks at connections or valves, no cracks in suction tubing. I'm out of things to check. Would welcome any suggestions. Thanks.

[Grumpy]

Did you flip the cone screen at the hose connection to open the check valve? Sometimes it sticks and the pump can't overcome the spring tension.

[JayX3]

Thanks for the quick reply. No, I didn't b/c I was unaware of that possibility. I will check it tomorrow. Any other good thoughts??

[robkelly]

I had a similar problem this year, and I know this sounds stupid, but I had to drain all of the fresh water out of the system before the pump would pull the AF through. Never had to do that before, but I guess there's a first time for everything.

[JayX3]

Thank you for your suggestion. While I thought I drained it sufficiently at the CG a couple days ago, it's certainly possible that I didn't do it well enough. Today I'll lower the front end open the FW petcock and the two inside low point drain line plugs. Hopefully doing that, and the cone screen check valve will do the trick. Right now it's 50, but going into the 20's tonight.

[JayX3]

Thanks to both of the guys who offered tips. I pulled the check valve screen at the FW tank fill and found no problem there. Next I pitched the trailer very low in the front and opened the FW petcock and opened the two inside low point drain plugs. Don't know how much water drained, but it was a significant amount. Leveled the trailer, closed those three valves, and the pump pulled the antifreeze like a champ. Thanks again, you guys saved the day.

[JFlightRisk]

That's good news. Thanks for updating with another successful fix! There's just a plethora of experience and knowledge here!