Fresh Water Pump - Shurflo 3.0GPM

[jibes138]

I installed a new freshwater pump maybe two years ago. Last year the pump stopped shutting off automatically. It was after I cleaned the strainer on the inlet side of the pump and reassembled the hoses. It had always shut off previous to this so I removed the outlet lines to see if maybe I had a leak downstream and the system wasn't holding pressure. I then put a short line with a cap on it to the outlet side to ensure it would be pressurized to see if the pump wasn't working right versus a leak in the line. The pump continued to run without stopping.
So my question is whether there is a user adjustment to the pressure switch, or whether the switch can be disassembled to see if debris or something got in when I cleaned the strainer. It pumps just fine so I have been using the panel switch to turn on and off, but would prefer if it worked right. I hate to buy another pump since it is relatively new.
Any advice or thoughts out there?
Thanks,
dave

 

[Rick D]

My recollection is that the pressure switch isn't serviceable; but that's from a lot of years ago. I suspect you need to replace the switch.

 

[Rick Belew]

I have a pump similar to this pump and it can be repaired. Disassemble the pump side and you should see 4 rubber disc for the pump mechanism and 1 disk for the check valve assembly. This disk will not check if trash is between disk and the plastic support. Remove trash and it should be good as new. You can buy replacement parts for pump and repair and pump will be good as new. I have repaired these unit many time with cleaning the trash out from under these disk. I hope this helps.

 

[kloudie1]

ShurFlow Pump

Dave, the pressure switch can be checked and cleaned and the pump check valves can be cleaned .. Rick has the most probable cause, a little trash in the check valves. If you disassemble carefully, you can re-use all the parts unless something is found broken. First picture is pressure cut off switch removed. The wires should have continuity as it sits and the connection should go open when you push on the rubber diaphragm . If it does that, the pressure switch is OK. If not, you can replace the "Microswitch" with same type and model. (Radio Shack?) There is a lever and spring behind the pressure switch diaphragm that you can get to and clean.. Next open the triangular cover and carefully remove the diaphragm rubber and pistons.(triangle piece by the screwdriver in top center of picture 2) Inspect carefully and wash clean. (the part just to the left of the flashlight in left top center) Next look in the case where the check valves are and clean those carefully.. remember, you may be drinking the water that goes by those parts, so make sure everything is clean when you re-assemble.. Good luck with it !

 

[jibes138]

Thanks guys. I'm suspecting some debris went downstream when I serviced the strainer and the check valves sound like a likely culprit. If they don't check as designed pressure won't be maintained and thus the unit won't stop, sounds logical. I'll disassemble and see what happens. Another option might be to buy a spare and install it and then rebuild this one. I mostly wash dishes and hands with the system water and a shower now and then and drink bottled. My old pump lasted about 23 years so they seem pretty robust from that perspective.

 

[Steve Dion]

Dave:

I just posted about a Flo-jet pump.

http://forums.hunter.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=127106

If you decide to get a new one, I suggest that you take a look at the Flo-jet VSD. I believe that you can repair most of these pump. Contact the mfg. they sometimes have a repair center and will diagnosis the problem and see if it is repairable before you spend any money on it.