Fresh water pump question

[Fred G]

I have a ShurFlo (sp?) model 220 in my 81' Hunter 30 that was installed in 1988 (according to the sticker on it). The boat is new to me and I am trying to get the fresh water system working. I connected a 3' section of tubing to the intake side of the pump and filled it with water, but it would run out of the output side before I could turn the pump on to see if there was any pressure. Does this flow through indicate that the pump is bad? I also tried to back fil the feeder tube from the tank, but it would never seem to fill even though I poured in at least 2 quarts, and I filled the fresh water tank to at least 2" above the output hose fitting before I started playing with the pump. Should I have to have a higher tank level?

 

[Jim Logan]

Buy a new Pump

First, look in the archives under the Head Mistress portion for articles on commissioning a fresh water system. Second, go to your local marine supply store and buy a new pump and inlet supply filter. Rebuild kits are available for pumps, but often are half the cost of a new pump. On a 1988 pump, I'd replace the entire unit. It doesn't have to be the exact pump, just buy one with the same gallons per minute at the same pressure. Sounds like your pump has a diaphram or impeller problem.

 

[Peggie Hall/Head Mistress]

Try this:

If the pump is working, gravity isn't necessary. Instead of trying to pour water down a tube, just stick the end of the hose on the intake side of it in a pan or bucket of water and turn on the pump (it would be a good idea to put a pan or a bucket under the the outlet side of the pump too). If the pump runs, but doesn't pump any water out of the bucket, the diaphragm in the pump is shot.That leaves you with two choices: spend about $30 for a diaphragm kit and a valve kit...or spend about $90 for a new 2.8 gpm Shurflo water pump. Since you just bought the boat, I'd replace the pump. That'll give you one thing on the boat for which you'll know the exact age and condition and won't have to wonder how well it's been maintained.

 

[Steve Dion]

Get a new one and..............

send the old pump back to ShurFlo. They will check it out and repair it for you if they are repairable. You will then have a spare when the new one goes south.I have recycled the pumps a couple of times to maximize the investment. Last one that I sent back, they called and said it was not worth rebuilding.

 

[Fred G]

Thanks everyone

Thanks for all of your responses! I apologize for resubmitting this question, please disregard it.