fresh water pump

[trailertrawlerkismet]

So the water tank ran out of water and the pump ran for a while, longer then it should have, trying to pump water that was not there. When I finally heard the drone of the pump I turned it off and filled the water tank. I turned the pump back on and no water pressure, no water. Per the manual I let the pump sit for an extended period of time (3hours) to cool down, checked the fresh water 5 amp fuse and it was in good shape but changed it out anyway and still no pump action and yes the fresh water pressure instrument panel switch is turned on. Interestingly enough while sitting around the pump made one it's once or twice daily regeneration pump noises but when I checked for pressure nothing. Does anyone have any additional thoughts on a possible solution besides the obvious of pump replacement?

Thanks for you impute,

Jim

 

[Todd]

Check to see if the pump is running. Is it vibrating ? The loss of water and lack of pressure could be due to a broken or disconnected water line somewhere in the system. This has happened to me two times.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Todd:

No vibration of the pump and I'll keep an eye on the water tank level for helping determine if there is a leak.

Thanks, Jim

 

[TonyM]

The cycle on and off that you hear maybe caused by an internal thermal switch resetting and starting the motor. If the switch is in a weakened condition or the motor has a high current draw the switch the switch will open shutting down the pump. A faulty or miss-adjusted pressure switch can give the same symptoms.
Time to start taking things apart and checking for suction, pressure, voltage, motor resistance, etc.
Good luck.
A lesson I learned from my sailboat was not to leave the pump powered up when not being used.

 

[JamesTXSD]

A "burp" of the water pump doesn't necessarily mean there is a leak somewhere in the system. Most pumps have a diaphragm that is supposed to allow water to move one way... if that leaks backwards, while the pump is on, it leaves a gap in the waterline, creating the "demand" that starts the pump.

I went through 3 pumps in about 4 years on our CD-25. Then, one that worked fine for the next couple years and was still working when we sold the boat. I was surprised to find out that the original pump and the first replacement that C-Dory sent me were "not for use in a wet environment." ??? The last pump was made by the same manufacturer (Jabsco) but was the "marinized" version. When I couldn't get a pump to work, I would put a direct 12v to the connections to see if the problem was a switch or connection... it never was. Time to replace the pump.

The Jabsco pumps have click connectors that make change-out faster and easier - just connect the wires and mount the pump, and you're good to go.

Most demand pumps have a run-dry time that is not to be exceeded. In our boats and RVs, we have made it a point to turn on the pump when water is needed, then turn it off... not leaving the pump on when it isn't being used. Too easy to leave the boat or RV and forget to turn it off; potentially a problem is a leak develops and pumps your fresh water tank capacity into the cabin.

Try the 12v direct connect to see if the pump fires up. My guess is it won't.

Hope that helps,
Jim

 

[Irish Mist]

Jim
Try disconnecting the out going side of the pump and see if perhaps it works.. Maybe ( probably not ) there is blockage up stream from the pump../ air lock.. etc.. Thinking running dry and overheating maybe debris went upstream to strainers.. Just a thought.. Disconnecting the outgoing line would let you know.. On my boat my washdown pump is the same as the water pump.. If the pump is toast you could swap out if need be .

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Mark, I took your advice and disconnected the outflow hose and the pump lit up like a Christmas tree at the White House. I then reconnected the hose and disconnected the head and galley sink faucets heads and when I turned there levers on water was flowing like no tomorrow. The bottom line is I've plugged the faucet heads and am now cleaning them like I have many times before....must have been a lot of crud in the bottom of the water tank. Thanks Mark and everyone else for your suggestions.

Jim F

 

[pugtug613]

There is probably air in the line. Take the out going side hose off the pump. (Should be just a clip thing you slide) Then turn on the pump and the water will squirt out of the pump. Put the hose back on and that's it. If not, check the impeller.