Water pump woes

I also used to carry spares in my last motorhome for the Whale pump which I had a lot of trouble with. You can read about that >here<. As a result of this I stopped using any cleaning products in the water systems. My current motorhome has never had the water system cleaned and both myself and wife have not suffered as a consequence in the 9 years we have been using it.

peedee

New pump arrived today, another job to do!

peedee

Is it a shurflo pd? I've just remounted mine on soft rubber as it's floor mounted and quite noisy at full tilt. I reckon at least 50% quieter

I'm in the process of looking to change vans. Is yours an Endeavor? Been looking at an Elysian with a slideout. What's your opinion being an RS owner?

JK

I've recently had the similar problem of lots of air in the water, to the extent that the pump would start up (as it does) when nothing was happening but then not shut off.

I tried the usual solutions, and then had a look at what sort of water the pump was delivering by watching the inside of the inboard tank as it filled - not the slightest bubble of air.  So air not being drawn in.

Then I noticed that running on the internal tank meant there was no air in the system.  So what must be happening is that there is a small air bleed in the change-over valve on the suction side of the pump. Low cost solution is just to keep some water in the inboard tank.

Yes it is a Shurflow Pump King. Mine isn't very noisy so must be nicely mounted. I will probably swap it over at the weekend although the trouble shooting section of the instruction sheet I received with the new pump does not list the pump as the cause of my problems. It is more likely to be air being sucked into the system at some point in the pipework. If it is, it could be difficult to resolve.

My RS is just about to enter its 10th year of use. They are well built, and nothing has fallen apart in the 50,000 miles I have clocked up. However,  I have had problems with water ingress from windows and skylights over the years. Initially I put this down to RS not using enough sealant but some of it is undoubtably down to the state of the roads and the shake up the van gets. As soon as I have spotted these I have undertaken re-sealing jobs. I have found RS a good company to deal with although I have had little recent contact with them. Think they have struggled financially over the years but always seem to keep their head above water.

If you are a member of "Fun", Ceejayt I think is on his second Elysian and it is probably worth sending a PM. He has certainly been the owner of one since they hit the market about 10 years ago.

peedee

Thanks for that PD, I'll have a look on fun

JK

Well I finally got round to replacing the pump which is currently on test before I put the furniture back together. It is running sweetly, no sign of air in the system so looks like the pump was the problem. I will see if I can get a set of new seals for the worn out one so I can keep it as a spare. Mind you it is no small job to get at the pump to replace it. About three hours work so far on the warmer days with about another 45 to 60mins left to put the cupboard under the sink back together.

peedee

Hi peedee, I hope you don’t mind me mentioning, but looking at your photo, Ive noticed the angles of the two pipes from the valves to the 2 into1 connector. 
With push-fit fittings the pipework has to sit in square, of there is a chance that the o-ring might not seal properly. If these are on the inlet side, then that could be a place where air can be sucked in.

I personally would replace the 2 in 1 fitting for a tee and elbow to allow the pipes to be parallel with the fittings. 

john

Thanks Freedom I will keep it in mind if I still have problems.

peedee

Well no leaks and still runs fine so its all back together and the motorhome is ready for 2021 if we should be able to get out and about. A set of valves is on order from the Leisureshop to recondition the old pump to keep as a spare.

Here's hoping the problem is cured but difficult to tell for sure without a trip out.

peedee