Flojet sucking air
Submitted: Tuesday, Feb 17, 2009 at 14:41
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66048
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Moose
The pump I have installed in the Cruiser for showering purposes is sucking air. Whilst we can still shower it is a bit of a PITA and I'd like to fix it. Has been installed for yonks and has worked
well until recently.
I have eliminated all other possibilities and am sure it is the pump itself that is at fault. All bolts on end are tight. O ring on inlet hose fine.
I am assuming that I'll have to replace the innards but thought I'd just ask in case there are some simple remedies.
Thanks from the Moose
Reply By: Member - Mick O (VIC) - Tuesday, Feb 17, 2009 at 14:56
Tuesday, Feb 17, 2009 at 14:56
Probably a silly question but do you have an inline filter on the intake hose? If so, are those connections OK. Also, have you rewound the inlet outlet conections with plumbers teflon tape to ensure they are airtite. I had the same issue and gave every connector a good clean before fitting using plumbers tape to rectify the problem.
Cheers Mick
AnswerID:
349488
Follow Up By: Moose - Tuesday, Feb 17, 2009 at 15:02
Tuesday, Feb 17, 2009 at 15:02
G'day Mick
I've actually removed the damn thing and ran it from a bucket using only the attached inlet and outlet hoses. That's why I know it isn't any of the other bits leading up to the pump that are the problem.
But I didn't think to teflon tape the hose that goes directly into the pump - the O ring looked fine so I assumed it wasn't the problem. I'll try that.
Cheers from the Moose
FollowupID:
617765
Reply By: Von Helga - Tuesday, Feb 17, 2009 at 15:26
Tuesday, Feb 17, 2009 at 15:26
Moose,
Was this part of a Glind fitout as I had the same problem where air was being suck passed the Quick connect fittings.
I fitted a screw connection to the hose than connects to the inlet side of the pump which fixed my problem.
Trevor
AnswerID:
349491
Follow Up By: Moose - Tuesday, Feb 17, 2009 at 15:35
Tuesday, Feb 17, 2009 at 15:35
G'day Trevor
Yes it is BUT it has worked perfectly for the past umpteen years and O ring looks perfect. I'm going to give Mick's idea a go - that will at least confirm absolutely whether it is the pump.
Cheers from the Moose
FollowupID:
617769
Follow Up By: gke - Tuesday, Feb 17, 2009 at 16:49
Tuesday, Feb 17, 2009 at 16:49
Hi Moose I had the exact same experience and solution as Trevor.My 0 ring was intact but was worn. Good luck, Graham.
FollowupID:
617777
Follow Up By: Member - Roachie (SA) - Tuesday, Feb 17, 2009 at 20:31
Tuesday, Feb 17, 2009 at 20:31
I have
mine set-up with click-on fittings on the bullbar for the inlet and outlet hoses to attach. These are notorious for not sealing properly on the inlet side......those click on connections (standard garden hose type) aren't meant to be used for suction....
So, what I did was to add a rubber bulb (as used on an outboard motor for pumping fuel) to the end of the inlet hose (where it sits in the supply bucket of water). When I fire-up the shower, I can just give the bulb a couple of squeezes to prime the hoses and get the thing pumping. After that, she runs fine all by itself.
FollowupID:
617825
Reply By: Willem - Tuesday, Feb 17, 2009 at 15:27
Tuesday, Feb 17, 2009 at 15:27
Moose
Them are things wot break. I have just replaced 2 x 12 volt pumps. Bugga!
Cheers
AnswerID:
349492
Follow Up By: Moose - Tuesday, Feb 17, 2009 at 15:38
Tuesday, Feb 17, 2009 at 15:38
G'day Willem
Even if it is the pump I should just be able to replace the diaphragm and that should then fix it. The Flojets are bloody good pumps - certainly not a disposable item. The cost a few hundred $ so they should last for ages.
Mind you the damn parts will probably cost an arm and a leg!
Cheers from the Moose
FollowupID:
617770
Reply By: Peter_n_Margaret - Tuesday, Feb 17, 2009 at 18:47
Tuesday, Feb 17, 2009 at 18:47
I'll bet on a tiny leak between the pump and tank.
They do exactly what you describe.
Check AGAIN.
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 Motorhome
AnswerID:
349523
Reply By: Von Helga - Tuesday, Feb 17, 2009 at 21:39
Tuesday, Feb 17, 2009 at 21:39
Moose,
Sorry I did not get back to you earlier today.
A small error on my part
I have a Twine system but same outcome anyway.
I rang the contact number from the Twine website when I had my problem and the Twine guy was great is providing advice about replacing the diaphram in the pump. There is a kit available.
I would give them a call
AnswerID:
349558
Reply By: madcow - Wednesday, Feb 18, 2009 at 07:42
Wednesday, Feb 18, 2009 at 07:42
you could try smearing a small wipe of vaseline around the edges of the diaphragm to
check it it is leaking around there. I've just replaced the shurflo pump that came with my Twine unit with a marine type ( fully sealed). As suggested above you may be able to get a "kit" for them but I'd think you will find it more economical to buy a new one. They are funny buggars that only need a wisp of air for them to play up.
AnswerID:
349591
Reply By: Ray - Wednesday, Feb 18, 2009 at 08:32
Wednesday, Feb 18, 2009 at 08:32
If the setup you have is compatable?????? Try a submersable pump.
AnswerID:
349597
Reply By: Moose - Wednesday, Feb 18, 2009 at 09:22
Wednesday, Feb 18, 2009 at 09:22
Thanks everyone for your suggestions.
Obviously I have learned a lesson here - and that is to not just visually inspect. When I replaced the O ring at the inlet the problem was solved. Whilst the O ring looked OK when I actually removed it and compared it to a new one there was an obvious difference.
In the process I also found out that even if it had been the diaphragm they are quite cheap (about $50) so the cost to keep the pump going is bugger all. But this time it cost me nothing as I happened to have the correct size O rings at
home.
Once again thanks from the Moose.
AnswerID:
349607