Fresh water pump

[Eric Steege]

Last season my fresh water system failed. I believe the water pump is burned out, and I need to replace it. If it's time to replace the water pump, I feel that it might be time to do any other required maintenance on the fresh water system. Does anyone have any experience or advice in regards to overhauling the freshwater system?Eric Steege Perfect UnionHunter 31Bayport Marina, MN

 

[Tom Lukas]

Any problem i've had with my shurflo pump has been traced to "crud" dirt etc. in the pump cups. If you're handy at taking components apart, it not too difficult to clean. If you're not, you can try removing the pump (diconnecting in/out lines) and flushing it with hot water. Also make sure there's proper voltage to the pump. Should also clean or replaced water filter upline of the pump.

 

[Peggie Hall/Head Mistress]

How old is the pump?

And describe the symptoms when it quit working..and leading up it. It's VERY rare that a Shur-Flo water pump motor EVER burns out. So tell me in as much detail as you can what you experienced.As for maintenance on the entire system, there's an article in the Head Mistrss forum Reference Library (on the home page of the forum) called "Fresh Water Maintenance" that explains in detail how to recommission the system, how often it should be done, and the reasons for doing it.

 

[Tim Schaaf]

rebuild

You can also buy a rebuild kit for the shurflo pumps, fairly easily and cheaply. It is not a tough job.

 

[Peggie Hall/Head Mistress]

Ummmm Tim...

First we need to find out whether the motor still works. Although diaphragm and valve kits are cheap, a new pump can be cheaper than a full rebuild.

 

[Eric Steege]

Just stopped working

I don't know how old the pump is. I bought the boat two years ago, and there are no records of replacement of any equipment. I assume that the pump is original equipment (1984). As for the details of the failure... The water system has worked flawlessly since I bought the boat. I have alway kept the water tank relatively full. I leave the power on when I am away from the boat, but don't have any leakage in the system, so the pump does not run on when not in use. Then one day, I showed up to the boat, and the water system was no longer working. I don't have any easy access fuses on the circuit, and I have not checked for a fuse near the pump yet. I suppose it is possible that a fuse has burned out. I will check that first thing.

 

[Peggie Hall/Head Mistress]

If it just suddenly quit...

Didn't overheat, didn't get cranky first, I'd guess there's nothing wrong with the pump...it's just not getting any power. If your boat has circuit breakers, I don't think you're gonna find any fuses, though. So check the wiring at the pump. It could be as simple as a lead that's come off. But first make the sure the breaker is on...since you leave it on all the time, it might not have occurred to you that something blew the breaker and all you need to do is turnit back on. If that is the case, and if it happens again, find whatever blew it...'cuz that's a potential fire hazard.