Freshwater Pump Issues

[landman70]

I have a 2001 Sea Ray Sundancer 340...the freshwater pump runs but will not discharge water. I have checked the screen filter and it is not clogged. The system seems to have no pressure so I am not sure if the pump is bad, there or if the system is just not pressuring up and there is a problem with the pressure tank or there is a leak somewhere and air is in the system. I disconnected the discharge line while the pump was running and there was no discharge whatsoever. I just got the boat and did run the tank dry so I'm thinking that could be caused the problem; water tank is full again and I still have the problem. I did hook up to shore water and water comes out just fine. Pretty frustrated...any thoughts?

J

 

[Four Suns]

You need to find out and post what model of freshwater pump you have. These things typically are electric motors with rubber diaphragm head units and the rubber will go bad... if your pump is original, it's "normal" to have to put a rebuild kit on it or a new pump. The symptoms are as you describe as the motor will spin but with the diaphragm shot, no water will flow. Even though these pumps are advertised as "run dry", that doesn't mean they can run dry for hours on end... at least I know I've killed a few heads by doing that.... Replacing the rubber part inside is not a big deal and my dog could do it... But find out your pump number...

 

[mwph]

J,
First off, welcome o CSR! There are lots of guys here, loaded with information so hang on, help is on the way.

Your system is likely different than mine but it sure sounds like you are sucking in air upstream from the pump. Again, others with your same set up will offer more details.


EDIT............See what I mean!

 

[landman70]

Thanks guys...I will get the pump model & check to see if I can determine if it is original and get back to you in the AM. Glad I found this site!

 

[landman70]

The model no is 2095-223-254...I cant really tell if its the original pump but if I had to guess I would say it is.

 

[mwph]

Is that a Shurflo pump? That number isn't listed on the repair kit list.

http://www.shurflo.com/marine-products/pump-repair-kits/default.html

Either way, if you feel certain the pump is the problem, contact the manufacturer for a kit or replacement pump.

I'd dip the supply line into a bucket of water for verification first, but a kit should be pretty cheap & even a whole new pump dosen't cost all that much.

 

[landman70]

Took the fresh water supply off and there was water...took the pump out and took it apart and all the rubber looked to be in good shape. Put it back together and stuck it in a bucket of water and hooked it to a battery and the damn thing worked...its now back on the boat working just fine! Not sure what the problem was but its fixed now! Thanks for all your help!

J

 

[Sum Escape]

Took the fresh water supply off and there was water...took the pump out and took it apart and all the rubber looked to be in good shape. Put it back together and stuck it in a bucket of water and hooked it to a battery and the damn thing worked...its now back on the boat working just fine! Not sure what the problem was but its fixed now! Thanks for all your help!

J

If I run my fresh water tank dry I sometimes need to "prime" the fresh water pump by opening the faucet in the engine room (lower than the freshwater pump) for a couple seconds and this primes the system. Perhaps yours encountered a similar issue.