jarhead
New Member
My fresh water pump keeps losing it's prime and won't pump. I can't find any leaks, the diaphrams look good and it works after I prime it myself. I have a Shurflo 3gpm standard pump. Any ideas?
Fresh water pump loses prime
- Thread starter jarhead
- Start date
tbirdvet
Active Member
- Sep 24, 2009
- 1,568
- Boat Info
- Previous boat: 2008 330 Sundancer
Vetus Bow Thruster
Kohler Gen.
- Engines
- Twin 496 MAG, 375HP Bravo III,
I had the same issue on a brand new pump. The parts all looked OK but would not self prime. I ended up taking it back and exchanging for another unit. So, the parts could look OK but still be bad. I would get a rebuild kit or new pump.
jarhead
New Member
It probably wouldn't be a bad idea, it is the original pump from 1982!
mwph
Well-Known Member
- Jul 8, 2008
- 3,229
- Boat Info
- 1998 250 DA
- Engines
- 7.4L, B3
You did check the strainer & screen right? A crack could allow air into the system.
In service since 1982 - thats about all you can ask I'm guessing.
If you think the pump is still good, I'm thinking that there is an air leak between the pump & the tank. If you feel like spending a little time with it you could verify by running a short hose from a jug or bucket of water to the pump to see if it holds its prime. I've read before you can put some food coloring on the fitting at the pump & see if it gets sucked in.
In service since 1982 - thats about all you can ask I'm guessing.
If you think the pump is still good, I'm thinking that there is an air leak between the pump & the tank. If you feel like spending a little time with it you could verify by running a short hose from a jug or bucket of water to the pump to see if it holds its prime. I've read before you can put some food coloring on the fitting at the pump & see if it gets sucked in.
jarhead
New Member
mwph, I'll have to check before I get another pump. It does work well after I prime it myself so that makes a lot of sense. Once in a while I do see a little water under the strainer. I wish everything that's 28 years old still worked as good!
