Water pump

[tlepard]

I have a Nonsuch 30 1981 with Paloma Water Heater and pressure freshwater system. Over the last three months I have intermittent episodes where the water pump wont work. I thought it was various things such as loose electrical connection, blocked vent to water tank, problem with Paloma. When it works it is normal so I am reluctant to buy a new pump on the chance that will fix it.

Any one any ideas? Thanks.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Could you describe "won't work" a little more? Won't start at all? Starts but doesn't pump?

The Shurflo website has their manuals and a good troubleshooting guide for pretty much any fresh water pump.

 

[tlepard]

Thank you Stu. The pump when it wont work is dead. Nothing. But then it spurts into activity. These intermittent failures seem very hard to diagnose.

 

[capta]

That very well could be a faulty pressure switch, a fairly easy and inexpensive fix. If, when the motor won't run for no reason and it is hot to the touch, that could be an indication of a bad spot on the motor's commutator or bad brushes, either one of which could cause a fire, so replacing the pump if it's not the switch might be prudent. Of course if you have the ability to change the brushes and clean the commutator, you shouldn't have to buy a new one.

 

[Chris Patterson]

Those solid state pressure regulators on the Jabsco's have troubled me in the past. Not good.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Thank you Stu. The pump when it wont work is dead. Nothing. But then it spurts into activity. These intermittent failures seem very hard to diagnose.

Intermittent on anything electrical means it's either a connection or something inside the pump. 99% of all electrical issues are the connections.

 

[tlepard]

I think I fixed it. So far over 24 hrs with no fault. It was a faulty connection that was hidden.

Thanks for all the input.