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Topic: Is this what water pumps sound like... (Read 621 times) previous topic - next topic
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Is this what water pumps sound like...
...as they die?
The filter screen is not clogged.

ON EDIT:
I found a place in Astoria, OR that carries the Shurflo 4008. I'm going to get it just in case.

http://youtube.com/shorts/oMqaLO2qBT0?feature=share
2021 Mid Bath
Re: Is this what water pumps sound like...
Reply #1 –
Ted, not sure of the sound a dying waterpump makes (maybe “Arggggg”?)  :D  but be sure to check the faucet diffuser. The one in my bath sink has partially clogged up a couple of times so far. Blowing it out with compressed air helped. I recently bought a spare 4008 Revolution from Amazon so that may be an option, if needed.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Is this what water pumps sound like...
Reply #2 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
Ted, not sure of the sound a dying waterpump makes (maybe “Arggggg”?)  :D  but be sure to check the faucet diffuser. The one in my bath sink has partially clogged up a couple of times so far. Blowing it out with compressed air helped. I recently bought a spare 4008 Revolution from Amazon so that may be an option, if needed.

I'll check.
Maybe the tank had residual solids from manufacturing but the pump filter is clean.
It's a new motorhome.
Thanks
2021 Mid Bath
Re: Is this what water pumps sound like...
Reply #3 –
Quote from: tedeboy  - 
I'll check.
Maybe the tank had residual solids from manufacturing but the pump filter is clean.
It's a new motorhome.
Thanks

I found my pump strainer packed with clear plastic shavings after driving it back from Florida where I had purchased it used.  I'm pretty sure they were from the manufacturing process but apparently the previous owner never cleaned it out.  Also, even though I've been filtering all water that goes into the tank, I'm still getting tiny debris that clogs up the faucet diffuser. Not sure where it's coming from.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Is this what water pumps sound like...
Reply #4 –
Ted,

I had that exact noise/symptom in my 2017 MB during our last trip.  I took out the faucet filter (the one that HILOLA posted) and soaked it in vinegar and water overnight and also poked the little holes with a needle.  It worked fine after that.
Glenn & Joan Lambert
Redford, MI
2017 27' Mid-Bath
Re: Is this what water pumps sound like...
Reply #5 –
"I found a place in Astoria, OR that carries the Shurflo 4008. I'm going to get it just in case."

Tedeboy

After watching the video and seeing the 'surging' flow I was reminded that there is a pressure adjustment on the 4008 and if it's not adjusted properly that is the result, a pulsing or change in flow rate.

Mind you that it doesn't take much adjusting to get it right or misadjust it to a point where it will be difficult to get back. It's controlled by a very small Allen wrench (perhaps one you might not have).

I had that problem and when at the Mothership I asked Vince if he would tackle the problem. He was hesitant at first but did the job, all the time turning the atmosphere a bright blue color. But after that I had a nice steady flow!
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Is this what water pumps sound like...
Reply #6 –
Ted, your pump is fine. Its supplying more water than what the valve is letting through causing the cycling of the pump. The low volume opening is the reason. If you rotate the ring of the nozzle to shower and open the valve all the way more water will pass and the pump will run steadily. The same thing happens with the bath lavatory faucet in our 2021 RB.
2026 Coach House 27' "Casa Azul"
2010 RB "Monty"  &  2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23
Re: Is this what water pumps sound like...
Reply #7 –
Quote from: Mike Coachman  - 
Ted, your pump is fine. Its supplying more water than what the valve is letting through causing the cycling of the pump. The low volume opening is the reason. If you rotate the ring of the nozzle to shower and open the valve all the way more water will pass and the pump will run steadily. The same thing happens with the bath lavatory faucet in our 2021 RB.


I look into this thanks.

A couple of things.
It seems to be getting worse and I installed that same pump on our 95TK with no issues.

I will add that I am going to buy another SHURFLO 4008 and keep the original as a backup. I'll report back if that makes a difference. As I said it seems to be getting worse although it does sound okay when I flush the toilet.


2021 Mid Bath
Re: Is this what water pumps sound like...
Reply #8 –
Quote from: tedeboy  - 
I look into this thanks.

A couple of things.
It seems to be getting worse and I installed that same pump on our 95TK with no issues.

I will add that I am going to buy another SHURFLO 4008 and keep the original as a backup. I'll report back if that makes a difference. As I said it seems to be getting worse although it does sound okay when I flush the toilet.

Does it sound ok when using the bath sink?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Is this what water pumps sound like...
Reply #9 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
Does it sound ok when using the bath sink?


No it doesn't sound okay when using that faucet.

The only non-restricted outlet is the toilet and the pump sounds fine when flushing.

But what is strange is we took a trip to Cambria just after we purchased the rig and the pump sounded fine at all outlets.

2021 Mid Bath
Re: Is this what water pumps sound like...
Reply #10 –
Quote from: tedeboy  - 
I will add that I am going to buy another SHURFLO 4008 and keep the original as a backup. I'll report back if that makes a difference.

As I said it seems to be getting worse although it does sound okay when I flush the toilet.

Carrying a spare pump is a good idea, they will fail at unexpected times.
Our LD's pump died a couple of weeks ago, while at Morro Bay. The pressure control switch failed on a Saturday night.
Having a spare, it was a half-hour job to replace and eliminated a panic attempt to find a new one locally on a holiday weekend.
 
Spares are not that expensive. This new one was delivered a few days ago.
Amazon.com: SHURflo 12v 3.0 GPM Revolution RV Water Pump # 4008-101-A65:...

If it continues to annoy you, give adjusting the pump a try. At medium flow rates, the pump should go into the bypass mode and not surge that much. Give the Mothership a call for advice on how to adjust it or if you have the installation manual, it should have instructions.
It can be tricky to get right.

Larry
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Is this what water pumps sound like...
Reply #11 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
Carrying a spare pump is a good idea, they will fail at unexpected times.
Our LD's pump died a couple of weeks ago, while at Morro Bay. The pressure control switch failed on a Saturday night.
Having a spare, it was a half-hour job to replace and eliminated a panic attempt to find a new one locally on a holiday weekend.
 
Spares are not that expensive. This new one was delivered a few days ago.
Amazon.com: SHURflo 12v 3.0 GPM Revolution RV Water Pump # 4008-101-A65:...

If it continues to annoy you, give adjusting the pump a try. At medium flow rates, the pump should go into the bypass mode and not surge that much. Give the Mothership a call for advice on how to adjust it or if you have the installation manual, it should have instructions.
It can be tricky to get right.

Larry

Since I'm on the road near small towns (Astoria, OR) I'm at the mercy of big markups. They want $125. Oh well.  I want a spare.
I'll look at the manual for adjustment.
Thanks Larry.
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
2021 Mid Bath
Re: Is this what water pumps sound like...
Reply #12 –

Ted, it might be cheaper to order off Amazon with rush shipping and have it delivered to an Amazon Locker on your route:

Amazon Hub: Pickup and return locations in your neighborhood

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Is this what water pumps sound like...
Reply #13 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
Ted, it might be cheaper to order off Amazon with rush shipping and have it delivered to an Amazon Locker on your route:

Amazon Hub: Pickup and return locations in your neighborhood
Just checked.
The 26th is the earliest.

 😌
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
2021 Mid Bath
Re: Is this what water pumps sound like...
Reply #14 –
Ted, I thought of another pump running issue is that when the water level is low in the fresh water tank and bumping around on roads a air bubble can get into the line and the pump makes a labored sound for a while until it clears.
2026 Coach House 27' "Casa Azul"
2010 RB "Monty"  &  2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23
Re: Is this what water pumps sound like...
Reply #15 –
"when the water level is low in the fresh water tank and bumping around on roads a air bubble can get into the line and the pump makes a labored sound for a while until it clears."

That has been my experience with several different rigs. It's more likely to happen when the tank is low, but can happen after driving even when it's fairly full. The pump sounds like a jackhammer until the the bubble is cleared, which at the rate I use water can take a couple of days. Very annoying.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Is this what water pumps sound like...
Reply #16 –
After last trip I drained fresh water and water heater tank. Filled fresh tank again yesterday and today is the first day of the trip. Having similar water pump sound and pump run little longer once I stop water which suggest air bubbles which are getting compressed. I thought it is just air in the line and will clear up in couple of days ... Hope I will not need to creat air pocket in WH anytime soon :-)

Good timing of this post and thanks for sharing your experience.
Re: Is this what water pumps sound like...
Reply #17 –
Hi Muhammad;  The air bubble being compressed is in the water heater, and it is there by design. That way, as the water is heating it expands, compressing the bubble even more. With no or an insufficient bubble the water will force open the pressure relief valve causing it to 'weep'. As the valve weeps, the suddenly pressure relieved water will cause magnesium chloride  or calcium chloride (hard water) to precipitate on the valve seat. Then the prv will continue to leak, until it is cleaned.
   As water temperature is increased, air becomes less soluble and ends up at the top of the tank, replenishing the 'bubble'.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Is this what water pumps sound like...
Reply #18 –
Ted,my thought is, all is good with the pump and you are dealing with a restricted flow issue. Turn the bathroom and kitchen faucets all the way on at the same time and see if the cycling goes away. Are you plugged into power? If so, unplug and try it again. Our old motorhome's pump would short cycle if plugged into power, we had an old school converter that would put out a higher voltage.

Jon
1994 MB
Re: Is this what water pumps sound like...
Reply #19 –
UPDATE:

Called Pentair and they told me to use a 5/64 Allen wrench and adjust the pressure.  I forgot which direction but I turned on the drinking water faucet because it's the most restricted flow and then turned the Allen 1/4 turn clockwise and now it flows like it's suppose to.

All faucets flowing good!
2021 Mid Bath
Re: Is this what water pumps sound like...
Reply #20 –
"All faucets flowing good!"

TEDEBOY

You are quite welcome, glad I could help. Re: Reply #5.   :D
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
 
Re: Is this what water pumps sound like...
Reply #22 –
Quote from: tedeboy  - 
UPDATE:

Called Pentair and they told me to use a 5/64 Allen wrench and adjust the pressure.  I forgot which direction but I turned on the drinking water faucet because it's the most restricted flow and then turned the Allen 1/4 turn clockwise and now it flows like it's suppose to.

All faucets flowing good!

Glad to hear the water is flowing correctly and thanks for the tip on the 5/64" Allen wrench.  I'm putting one in my toolbag.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264