I noted right before pulling the boat that the fresh water supply pump, (shower sink etc.) was running all the time. I cleaned the filter and shut the output off at the manifold but it continues to run. I assume the Shurflo pumps sense a low pressure downline and that starts the pump? It is under warranty but thought if I just had to clean something up, wouldn't bother calling MM. Any help would be appreciated.
house water pump
- Thread starter jimdavi
- Start date
boatmailster
Well-Known Member
Usually those pumps do not run when defective.
I suspect water leak somewhere or pump is sucking air
(cracked or loose water filter).
- Oct 4, 2006
- 2,344
- Boat Info
- 2006 300DA Sundancer
- Engines
- 350 Mags / Bravo III
Do you have the the variable speed (flow) Shurflo pump? They should turn off when their pressure sensor reaches + - 50 psi just below that setting it would begin to run. If you had water at the pump inlet, and the outlet dead headed (valve closed) the pump should turn off. Since it is under warranty, have them check it.
I just noticed your post above, don't shut the input water off....that would starve the pump and not allow any water flow to dead head the pressure switch (or sensor on the variable pump).
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boatmailster
Well-Known Member
Pressure switch is on output, it has to build up pressure first to shut off - you need water in. Try to temporary remove water filter (whole housing) and see if it changes anything. Once pump is primed you could cap pump's outlet to be sure that problem is with the pump, not with leaky water system.
mawyatt
New Member
Check your fresh water level, if it's dropping then you have a leak. If not then the pump might have a problem. Mine would cycle every 15min to 1/2hr and no leaks. MM finally replaced the pump or something (pressure valve) and now it's fine.
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I don't know what model pump you have but if they are left on and let run dry for an extended period of time, the rubber diaphragms in the head can go bad. I've had my pump motors spinning and no water output and the pump head needed to be rebuilt (I actually ended up getting new pumps for some reason). The rebuild kits are cheap... I think Dominic (osd9) rebuilt his if my memory is right. The heads can also just go bad from age and usage. I know some of the first variable speed Shurflo pumps had some problems as I was researching them back in 2007... I ended up just putting in constant speed pumps instead as I didn't want to deal with the problems I was seeing in the reviews.
Just as a note, my boat was new in 2003 and in 2005 I had my first water pump head go bad...
As with other rubber parts (vacuflush, whale valves in sump boxes, etc), bleach will dry out the rubber. If you do sanitize the tank (or any other rubber parts listed above) with bleach, you have to make sure the stuff is flushed well with fresh water or that will make them have a shorter life span. I actually think my first water pump went bad because I was a little too agressive on cleaning the water tank (I'll blame my wife) with bleach and it killed the pump heads... that's my theory anyway. The second time pumps were killed I had a child leave the front bathroom faucet on after washing his hands and for some strange reason just walked out and the water tank ran dry and the pumps ran dry for a long time... At least I know he washes his hands after using the restroom.
Your boat is under warranty so not sure why I even wrote this... "call the dealer"
Just as a note, my boat was new in 2003 and in 2005 I had my first water pump head go bad...
As with other rubber parts (vacuflush, whale valves in sump boxes, etc), bleach will dry out the rubber. If you do sanitize the tank (or any other rubber parts listed above) with bleach, you have to make sure the stuff is flushed well with fresh water or that will make them have a shorter life span. I actually think my first water pump went bad because I was a little too agressive on cleaning the water tank (I'll blame my wife) with bleach and it killed the pump heads... that's my theory anyway. The second time pumps were killed I had a child leave the front bathroom faucet on after washing his hands and for some strange reason just walked out and the water tank ran dry and the pumps ran dry for a long time... At least I know he washes his hands after using the restroom.
Your boat is under warranty so not sure why I even wrote this... "call the dealer"
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Skuza
Well-Known Member
A related question. Today I was eyeballing a Jabsco pump at Boaters World (%20 off) and it was rated at 4.3GPM and 40psi. The factory pump is 3.3 at 45psi. Will the lower psi affect anything else in the system or will it just shut off at a lower pressure. Will the 5psi difference be noticed when I crack open a faucet or will the expansion tank make up for that? I'm just trying to get a litte better flow during showers. I did clean the head and check the valve last year. I believe the pressure switch is built into the pump so I'm guessing it shouldn't make a difference to the rest of the system. Somebody know otherwise?
