Water pump runs - no flow

**wbmiller3** · 09-08-2012, 07:00 PM

I did a search, but did not find this exact problem. So -

During a rare dry camping trip this week, our water pump seems to have failed. The motor ran, but there was no flow. I disconnected the pipe from the outlet of the pump and ran it - no water came out. This makes me think it is not the 'hot water tank is empty' problem I saw on the forum.

Here are some guesses - can anyone confirm?

Can the pump come loose from the motor shaft? It seems like the motor is turning, but not the pump.

Or, is an internal check valve stuck closed? It seems there must be such a valve or city water would fill up the storage tank.

And, is either of these repairable, or should I just buy a new pump and not try to figure it out?

Any help appreciated!

09-08-2012, 07:10 PM

I have no experience with that pump, but, all the other pumps I have worked on usually have a diaphram. It could be damaged, or the shaft from the motor is broken. Take it apart and look, it will be obvious....really nothing to lose. I suspect you will be buying a new one though.....

countrygirl · 09-08-2012, 09:03 PM

Could there be grit in the faucet filters?

09-08-2012, 11:18 PM

Had this happen several times on my boat. If it was a while since I used the pump, the Pump motor would run but the diaphragm in the pump would dry up and stick. If you can get at the pump, it’s an easy job to take the pump apart and free everything up. I just used warm soapy water. I doubt if you’ll need a new pump. Hope that’s all it is.

Ed

Riwright · 09-09-2012, 03:10 AM

I had one fail just like that. The pump had been sitting for some time unused.

I wound up replacing it with a quieter pump. I ordered a diaphragm kit for the old one, I plan to salvage it for fresh water collection.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ls_o01_s01_i00

If Digger's unstick trick doesn't work that kit should fix it.

**Bill** · 09-09-2012, 07:28 AM

Bill -

Assuming you have a Shur-Flo pump, there are some diagrams and troubleshooting information in the Shur-Flo manual at the back of the TM Owner's Manual in the library. Of course you can also get it online.

Bill

**wbmiller3** · 09-09-2012, 10:18 AM

Thanks to all. I took it completely apart and did not see any obvious problem. I am going to try running it with some buckets and tubing this afternoon and see if I can figure out what the deal is.

UPDATE: It worked just fine when I ran it after reassembling it. I guess it was the stuck bellows, and taking it apart freed things up. Thanks again!