I have a shurflo fresh water pump to maintain pressure in my system. Last yr it worked fine. Turn the water on, the pump comes on then builds up pressure and quits after the facet is shut off. This yr, I turn the water on, the pump comes on and doesnt turn off. It will run until I use the switch on the panel and shut it off. I dont believe I have any leaks or there is air in the lines. It does not come periodically with all facets shut. In my brochure in the trouble shooting section it says the valve may be a problem and to order a valve replacement kit. The motor runs fine. Just doesnt shut off. Anyone go thru this? Thanks Craig
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It's either the valve or the diaphragm
And if one is shot, the other isn't far behind...so while you have it apart replace both. West Marine carries valve kits and diaphragm kits for Shur-Flo pumps...just be sure to give 'em the model and the year...one size doesn't fit all. They aren't expensive--about $10-$15 each...and not a difficult repair either.
And if one is shot, the other isn't far behind...so while you have it apart replace both. West Marine carries valve kits and diaphragm kits for Shur-Flo pumps...just be sure to give 'em the model and the year...one size doesn't fit all. They aren't expensive--about $10-$15 each...and not a difficult repair either.
Pump
If you are going to spend $20-30 for repair kits, and the pump is very old, you might consider replacing the whole pump with the silent one, model 2093, which has a five year warranty. It is quieter than the others. Just a thought.
If you are going to spend $20-30 for repair kits, and the pump is very old, you might consider replacing the whole pump with the silent one, model 2093, which has a five year warranty. It is quieter than the others. Just a thought.
Agree with Eric
Don't waste your time on rebuilding, buy the new pump. Too often we try to save a few bucks and end up spending more time fixing boats than sailing them.
Don't waste your time on rebuilding, buy the new pump. Too often we try to save a few bucks and end up spending more time fixing boats than sailing them.
Buy and rebuild
Craig: I agree that you probably should just buy a new one. Last time this exact thing happened to us, I went to W/M and picked up a new one. The I sent the old one back and the went thru it for about $30. If it's not worth the salvage they will tell you. New ones run from about $80 to $110, it's worth the rebuild. We just installed the rebuilt one this week with a pressure tank.
Craig: I agree that you probably should just buy a new one. Last time this exact thing happened to us, I went to W/M and picked up a new one. The I sent the old one back and the went thru it for about $30. If it's not worth the salvage they will tell you. New ones run from about $80 to $110, it's worth the rebuild. We just installed the rebuilt one this week with a pressure tank.
Pressure switch?
I haven't taken one of these apart, but it must have a pressure switch built into it to automatically shut it off when the system is pressurized, right? If yours isn't shutting off, but otherwise is pumping acceptable pressure, I would suggest that the problem is that the switch won't open to break the circuit. Check to see if the switch is avaiable. ROwen
I haven't taken one of these apart, but it must have a pressure switch built into it to automatically shut it off when the system is pressurized, right? If yours isn't shutting off, but otherwise is pumping acceptable pressure, I would suggest that the problem is that the switch won't open to break the circuit. Check to see if the switch is avaiable. ROwen
Could be Sucking Air
Besides all the possibilities mentioned in the previous posts, there is a possibility there could be an airleak between the pump and where the pipe enters the water tank. The connections have to be really good and tight or just a small amount of air can get in and cause the pump to run continuously. Even when they're tight it's amazing how air can somehow find a passageway. Try putting a little pipe dope on the threads and see what happens.
Besides all the possibilities mentioned in the previous posts, there is a possibility there could be an airleak between the pump and where the pipe enters the water tank. The connections have to be really good and tight or just a small amount of air can get in and cause the pump to run continuously. Even when they're tight it's amazing how air can somehow find a passageway. Try putting a little pipe dope on the threads and see what happens.
Depends on what you consider "old"
The Shur-Flo on my previous boat was still going strong after 11 years when I sold the boat...I'd put a new diaphragm in it once. The only reason I replaced the one on my current boat--OEM 1979 original--was because it quit only an hour before guests were due to arrive and I didn't have time to take it apart to replace the diaphragm and valve.. The motor was--and is--still in fine shape...and I did rebuild it to keep as a spare. It's just about impossible to wear out a water pump motor in less than 20 years...diaphragms and valves average about 5 years...total cost to replace both--about $25...vs. $90-100 for a whole new pump. So I can't see replacing the pump every time it needs a $10 part--and I'm a stinkpotter...it's sailors who are supposed to be cheap!
)) But even more importantly...while it does make more sense to just toss out some things and buy new, keep in mind that even a brand new water pump (or toilet or macerator or...or...) can suddenly need a new diaphragm, valve, impeller, seal...and you can't just run over to West Marine and pick up a new pump or macerator--or send the old one back to the mfr for an overhaul--if you're 3 days out to sea when it quits. It's important to carry certain parts...and even more important to know what to do with 'em if you need 'em. The time to start learning is before you head out to sea...so put a new seal and diaphragm in your water pump. Not only will you save about $60, but you'll be amazed at the sense of satisfaction you get as you start becoming a competent mariner instead of just another landlubber who owns a boat.
The Shur-Flo on my previous boat was still going strong after 11 years when I sold the boat...I'd put a new diaphragm in it once. The only reason I replaced the one on my current boat--OEM 1979 original--was because it quit only an hour before guests were due to arrive and I didn't have time to take it apart to replace the diaphragm and valve.. The motor was--and is--still in fine shape...and I did rebuild it to keep as a spare. It's just about impossible to wear out a water pump motor in less than 20 years...diaphragms and valves average about 5 years...total cost to replace both--about $25...vs. $90-100 for a whole new pump. So I can't see replacing the pump every time it needs a $10 part--and I'm a stinkpotter...it's sailors who are supposed to be cheap!
)) But even more importantly...while it does make more sense to just toss out some things and buy new, keep in mind that even a brand new water pump (or toilet or macerator or...or...) can suddenly need a new diaphragm, valve, impeller, seal...and you can't just run over to West Marine and pick up a new pump or macerator--or send the old one back to the mfr for an overhaul--if you're 3 days out to sea when it quits. It's important to carry certain parts...and even more important to know what to do with 'em if you need 'em. The time to start learning is before you head out to sea...so put a new seal and diaphragm in your water pump. Not only will you save about $60, but you'll be amazed at the sense of satisfaction you get as you start becoming a competent mariner instead of just another landlubber who owns a boat.Water Pump
Had a problem with mine this year also, 87'. After removing the pump assembly, it was just a matter of cleaning the diaphrams (I think all shur-flo pumps have 3). Before disassembling the pump section, try just running hot water through it, if the valves are not seating you won't build up pressure to activate the pressure switch.
Had a problem with mine this year also, 87'. After removing the pump assembly, it was just a matter of cleaning the diaphrams (I think all shur-flo pumps have 3). Before disassembling the pump section, try just running hot water through it, if the valves are not seating you won't build up pressure to activate the pressure switch.
Executive Decision Made
Again, this website is one of the very important reasons we bought our '87 34 hunter last yr. Thanks for all your comments. We sail on the miss. river south of mpls. Don't get more than 5-7 miles from home so we won't be left at sea without fresh water for long. I am going over to Boat US today and see if they have the valve kit and will install next week. I also have the accumulator which is suppose to cut down on the time the pump runs. I need to get into this alittle bit to prove or disprove that I can fix a few things. We are not heavy users of the boat so a repair is in order at this time. Thanks for your help and if you are ever in the lake city area, stop in. Thanks Craig.
Again, this website is one of the very important reasons we bought our '87 34 hunter last yr. Thanks for all your comments. We sail on the miss. river south of mpls. Don't get more than 5-7 miles from home so we won't be left at sea without fresh water for long. I am going over to Boat US today and see if they have the valve kit and will install next week. I also have the accumulator which is suppose to cut down on the time the pump runs. I need to get into this alittle bit to prove or disprove that I can fix a few things. We are not heavy users of the boat so a repair is in order at this time. Thanks for your help and if you are ever in the lake city area, stop in. Thanks Craig.
Been there.... Done (Nothing)....
I was having problems getting water pressure to my faucets. I am sure the fresh water system had not been used in a while. Lines were full of black gunk. Pump would run constantly. Was ready to rebuild, replace, repurchase, whatever. I had put bleach in my holding tanks, about 1/2 gallon per tank (which was way to much, should have been 1 cup per 10 gallons) and left it in the tanks for two weeks(OOPS!!) I was not aware of the fact that bleach is a corrosive, and after it loses its residual of chlorine(24 hrs) it could damage the diaphrams in the pump, and cause damage throughout the system. Considering all that should have happened, last weekend while expecting the replumb of the century, I tried out the water pressure and all faucets worked fine. I cycled through about 5 tank fulls on each tank and everything worked fine..... Question is for how long? I believe I had an air-lock some where in the line, and the pump could not prime to pressurize. I am faced with the fact that I will need to replace the pump diaphram, but as long as the water is flowing.... I'm going sailing.....
I was having problems getting water pressure to my faucets. I am sure the fresh water system had not been used in a while. Lines were full of black gunk. Pump would run constantly. Was ready to rebuild, replace, repurchase, whatever. I had put bleach in my holding tanks, about 1/2 gallon per tank (which was way to much, should have been 1 cup per 10 gallons) and left it in the tanks for two weeks(OOPS!!) I was not aware of the fact that bleach is a corrosive, and after it loses its residual of chlorine(24 hrs) it could damage the diaphrams in the pump, and cause damage throughout the system. Considering all that should have happened, last weekend while expecting the replumb of the century, I tried out the water pressure and all faucets worked fine. I cycled through about 5 tank fulls on each tank and everything worked fine..... Question is for how long? I believe I had an air-lock some where in the line, and the pump could not prime to pressurize. I am faced with the fact that I will need to replace the pump diaphram, but as long as the water is flowing.... I'm going sailing.....
replace it
those shurflo pumps are junky..ive replaced them 3 times in the past 11 yrs...finally gave up on em and got a jabsco...pressure switch failed after a year...i guess its the nature of the beast...they only cost 22 bucks and are easier to replace in the jabsco
those shurflo pumps are junky..ive replaced them 3 times in the past 11 yrs...finally gave up on em and got a jabsco...pressure switch failed after a year...i guess its the nature of the beast...they only cost 22 bucks and are easier to replace in the jabsco
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