Water Pump Blues

[andosfauxtos]

We've had our Coleman Nevada for a couple years, but I've never been able to get the water pump (Shurflo 2088-403-144) to work. Basically, it just runs forever and no water ever comes out of the faucets. I finally tried to tackle it this weekend, before a trip next weekend, to no avail. Before I pull the trigger on a new one, here's what I've tried (yes, the fresh water tank is full):

• Checked the strainer for clogs (there were none)
• Tried disconnecting the intake line and drawing water from a 5 gallon bucket to eliminate the possibility of leaks in the line (no water was drawn from the bucket)
• Took the pump apart to look for clogs, gunk, stuck parts (didn't see any)
• Inspected for cracks or holes in components (didn't find any)
• Ran the pump with the faucets ON slightly to bleed out air from the lines as they were theoretically filling with water (no dice)

The only thing I found that might be an issue, but I really don't know since I don't know much about this stuff, is that the the wheel or whatever it's called that the motor turns doesn't turn evenly? Not sure how else to say it. Here, I'll try a video.



Don't know if that's normal or not, but that's the only thing that seemed a little off to me.

Is there anything else I can try before I buy a new pump? Is it just shot? Is it 20+ years old. Not sure how often the previous/original owner used it. Winterizing where we live isn't really an issue, so I don't think that would have caused whatever the problem is.

Any other ideas?

 

[xxxapache]

Did you try priming the pump by putting some water in it or in the strainer before the pump?

 

[WrkrBee]

That's normal operation.

 

[Arruba]

Based on your description, and if you’re sure your suction side connections and strainer are good, your pump head is bad. Have you tried, can you tell if the shaft is turning when you turn the wheel? I don’t know for your model, but new heads should be available.

 

[andosfauxtos]

Did you try priming the pump by putting some water in it or in the strainer before the pump?

I did not try that. I'll give that a shot. Thanks.

 

[andosfauxtos]

Based on your description, and if your sure your suction side connections and strainer are good, your pump head is bad. Have you tried, can you tell if the shaft is turning when you turn the wheel? I don’t know for your model, but new heads should be available.

Thanks. Just so I'm clear, the pump head is basically everything but the motor, correct?

 

[Arruba]

Yes, from the photo it’s the black plastic part. I suppose the tank vent/vent tube could be plugged. When that happens though, usually the pump will move a little water and you can hear the tank try to flex.

Good luck with your repair.

 

[tfischer]

These are called "diaphragm pumps". Basically they have 4 check valves internally and the motor spinning creates a suction that pushes the water up and through the valves. Check if there's a rebuild kit for your pump, which will replace these valves and any seals. If not, the pumps are relatively cheap.

 

[andosfauxtos]

Yes, from the photo it’s the black plastic part. I suppose the tank vent/vent tube could be plugged. When that happens though, usually the pump will move a little water and you can hear the tank try to flex.

Good luck with your repair.

So, the tank vent was plugged, but I fixed that prior to trying out the pump. When I was trying to fill the tank, the water would just come gushing back out the inlet. Turns out some wasps or something had made a nest in the vent. I cleaned it out and was able to fill the tank up all the way. I guess maybe it's possible it's still partially blocked? But then when I tried to pump from the bucket I got nothing, so I'm leaning toward the pump just being kaput.

Thanks for the help. Seems like a pretty simple fix (if that's the problem). Just hope I can find parts before we're supposed to leave Friday!

 

[andosfauxtos]

I was able to order a new pump (it was just a few bucks more than a replacement head, so why not?) that should be here by Tuesday. Plenty of time before our trip.

As for the electrical on the install, the connections that are currently there are these weird connectors I've never seen before and am not even sure how to undo them. If I can't figure these dealys out and/or end up destroying them, couldn't I just use a wire nut or something? Or is there a different/better option? Here are photos of the original connections and there connectors.

 

[Raycfe]

The connectors are call scotch locks ........ fast but not the best connectors. The longer one maybe a fuse holder (can't see the other side). An automotive ATO fuse may plug into slots on the top.

 

[theseus]

Scotch locks or as some call them Vampire taps... good for quick and dirty, but if you are doing it right, you should use butt end connectors. Better yet, solder and shrink tubing.

 

[andosfauxtos]

The connectors are call scotch locks ........ fast but not the best connectors. The longer one maybe a fuse holder (can't see the other side). An automotive ATO fuse may plug into slots on the top.

Yes, the longer one does have a fuse installed.

 

[andosfauxtos]

The connectors are call scotch locks ........ fast but not the best connectors. The longer one maybe a fuse holder (can't see the other side). An automotive ATO fuse may plug into slots on the top.

I assume it is, otherwise why is it there, but is that fuse there necessary? In other words, when I install the new pump I should make sure I have a connection with the fuse like that?

 

[Raycfe]

Should have a fuse holder of some kind in the pump circuit. for safety . I don't suggest but you can open the scotch locks up and pull the little metal bridges out of the wires and try to reuse. You can also just use an "ATO" fuse with 2 push on crimp terminals in a pinch. The correct way is replace the fuse holder with a nice molded one and solder and think wrap the spices.

 

[Del Kelso]

i just bought and installed a new water pump. SHURflo 12v 3.0 GPM Revolution RV Water Pump # 4008-101-A65, I think it was $65 from Amazon. installed it and nothing! tried everything to test the circuit but ultimately discovered that i forgot to flip on the rocker switch which powers the pump circuit, so please keep that in mind. works great once the power is on. i still have the top part of the original ShurFlo pump free for the cost of shipping if you want it. (the motor was burned out).

 

[andosfauxtos]

i just bought and installed a new water pump. SHURflo 12v 3.0 GPM Revolution RV Water Pump # 4008-101-A65, I think it was $65 from Amazon. installed it and nothing! tried everything to test the circuit but ultimately discovered that i forgot to flip on the rocker switch which powers the pump circuit, so please keep that in mind. works great once the power is on. i still have the top part of the original ShurFlo pump free for the cost of shipping if you want it. (the motor was burned out).

Thanks for the offer. I went ahead and ordered a new pump. Should be here today. The rocker switch was on when I did all my testing. The motor was definitely running, just not pumping.

 

[daveo1289]

From what I read in your notes, the pump is shot. Good move ordering a new one. If you tried to draw from a 5 gallon pail of water and it wouldn't, the pump is toast. The u-tube video you posted. If it's from your pump, the impeller shaft is bent. Keep us informed and good luck.

 

[Sjm9911]

I would have no problems using a wire nut if you wated to. Just tape it well so it dosen't loosen up while getting bounced around.

 

[tfischer]

When I replaced our converter a couple weeks ago I used these. They are like a wire nut but crimp on and will not wiggle off:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N957C78?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details