Water tanks full, pump (2 years old) keeps cycling on, no leaks found
What do I do now?
Hunter 41 2007
What do I do now?
Hunter 41 2007
Water pressure pump
- Thread starter simpsonc
- Start date
Check the model number and see if they have a replacement pressure switch. If so, that's probably it. If not, or you don't want to tackle that, it's probably replacement time. However, go out on the manufacturer's site to look up the troubleshooting guide and check out options. But, it's probably the switch. Good luck!
In order for the pump to cycle on/off but behave normally otherwise, it must have a pressure leak. could be an external leak at a hidden fitting or it could be an internal leak inside the pump's check valves. If you are positive that there is no water leaking (hot water tank TPV (safety valve) or a hidden fitting ) then open the pump head and clean out the discharge check valves. It could be something as small as a half pin-head in one of the three valves.. Happy hunting..
Note, I find that the fittings come loose about every 3-4 years because of vibration/banging, and the constant on/off hot/cold cycling..
Note, I find that the fittings come loose about every 3-4 years because of vibration/banging, and the constant on/off hot/cold cycling..
"No leaks found."
FOUND is the operative word. When my pump did this a few years ago, I didn't FOUND any leaks either! Did all the pump troubleshooting stuff.
FOUND the leak in the middle of a 25 foot long 1/2" hose to the head sink that was cleverly hidden under the engine compartment! Replaced the hoses, pump's working great.
Don't assume that 'cuz you didn't find the leak there isn't one there. Mine was a tiny pinhole leak, just enough, though.
Good luck, happy detective work!
FOUND is the operative word. When my pump did this a few years ago, I didn't FOUND any leaks either! Did all the pump troubleshooting stuff.
FOUND the leak in the middle of a 25 foot long 1/2" hose to the head sink that was cleverly hidden under the engine compartment! Replaced the hoses, pump's working great.
Don't assume that 'cuz you didn't find the leak there isn't one there. Mine was a tiny pinhole leak, just enough, though.
Good luck, happy detective work!
If the pump keeps coming on, the pressure switch is doing its job. If there isn't SOME kind of internal or external leak and the pump keeps coming on, something is going to explode . Well no, not really, but you get the idea.
If there are no external water leaks, I'll go with kloudie's idea of a leaking pump check valve due to a bit of dirt caught under the disk.
. Well no, not really, but you get the idea.If there are no external water leaks, I'll go with kloudie's idea of a leaking pump check valve due to a bit of dirt caught under the disk.
I agree here..."No leaks found."
FOUND is the operative word. When my pump did this a few years ago, I didn't FOUND any leaks either! Did all the pump troubleshooting stuff.
FOUND the leak in the middle of a 25 foot long 1/2" hose to the head sink that was cleverly hidden under the engine compartment! Replaced the hoses, pump's working great.
Don't assume that 'cuz you didn't find the leak there isn't one there. Mine was a tiny pinhole leak, just enough, though.
Good luck, happy detective work!
remove the outlet line from the pump, then install a short section of waterline (2-3ft) with a plug in the end of it. turn the pump on and let the pressure build (about a second) and you will quickly see if the pressure is holding within the pump, or if it still cycles on/off.
if it remains off, it means the valves in the pump are good.... and that there is a leak in a line elsewhere in the boat.
if it continues to cycle, which it will do quite soon, then it means the valves are bad or more likely a piece of debris is caught under one of them...
Water Pump Cycling
When we first purchased our 1991 P42 in 2002 the fresh water pump did the same thing. It would cycle every ten seconds or so. Turned out to be a slow drip in a tee fitting beneath the sit tub pan. Once I tightened the fitting to stop the leak, no more cycling. Of course just getting to the fitting is a story in itself.
Then it started to do it again a couple of years ago. This time I knew there were no leaks in the system, so I called Flojet the maker and talked with tech support. Since the pump was at least fifteen years old I ordered a new one plus a new check valve, which tech support concluded was the culprit. I replaced the check valve in the old pump and installed the new one. I now have a working spare.
The new pump works great, runs quieter and no cycling. Bought both through Defender. As I recall the new check valve cost about $15.
When we first purchased our 1991 P42 in 2002 the fresh water pump did the same thing. It would cycle every ten seconds or so. Turned out to be a slow drip in a tee fitting beneath the sit tub pan. Once I tightened the fitting to stop the leak, no more cycling. Of course just getting to the fitting is a story in itself.
Then it started to do it again a couple of years ago. This time I knew there were no leaks in the system, so I called Flojet the maker and talked with tech support. Since the pump was at least fifteen years old I ordered a new one plus a new check valve, which tech support concluded was the culprit. I replaced the check valve in the old pump and installed the new one. I now have a working spare.
The new pump works great, runs quieter and no cycling. Bought both through Defender. As I recall the new check valve cost about $15.