HELP - Pump won't "prime"
 

We took our new to us Hi-Lo out for the first time this weekend and had a great time. We had city water and plumbing worked fine. I decided to fill the fresh tank while I had it out and test the on demand pump. The pump turns on and runs but isn't picking up any water or pressurizing.

Everything was drained and winterized with antifreeze by the dealer we purchased from in January.

Is there a freshwater cutoff valve between the pump and tank that I'm missing? Is there a way to prime the pump? How long should I let it run dry? - I only let it run about 10 seconds. Trailers I've had in the past always pressurized in a few seconds.

Maybe the pickup is clogged or maybe I need to replace the pump.

Thanks for any help.

Thanks Bubbie, I'll look for that valve.

We were at FCF this weekend. Beautiful. Lots of water with all the rain we've had. We usually try to stay within 3 hours of Knoxville since we have a 3 year old. Any other good suggestions in the area? Have you been to Rock Island?

I agree with Bubbie on the antifreeze syphon valve being left open. This will not allow the pump to pressurize the system. I have the same system on my '01 unit. Also there is a valve in close proximity of that valve to check. I can fill my fresh water tank from the city water hookup. If that valve is left open, the pump cannot pressurize the system. If the shutoff valve handle is going in the same direction as the water line, the valve is open. If the handle is opposite of the water line, the valve is closed.

Bob

Well I went and looked at lunch and unfortunately I don't have the antifreeze siphon and valves you guys are talking about. Looks like I'm going to have to pull the pump out. A re-build kit is $17 from Amazon and looks simple to do. The hard part is getting to the pump.

Boater,

Before tearing out the pump, inspect your check valve. Our 2704T has a check-valve in the pump discharge pipe. These things are generally reliable, but can (rarely) stick shut. Of course, anything preventing flow can keep the pump from self-priming. I discovered our was sticking by disconnecting the pump discharge hose and turning the pump on...it primed immediately and washed the floor under our sink quite nicely. :rolleyes:

Another suggestion: Check the pump inlet strainer. Not just for clogging, but also for the presence of water, to make sure water is making as far as the pump.

Finally, and I'm hesitant to write this because you've already looked once, but take another look for that syphon valve, getting a good visual on all the piping runs. I'm not specifically familiar with your model, but I do know that the plumbing in Hi-Lo's is much the same from model to model in a given year, and sometimes year after year. Perhaps some previous owner modified the plumbing, who knows? My point is that Bob (retiredcamper47) has the same year trailer as you and has said valve. :confused:

Good luck,
Jim

I'm going to take the top of the couch off so I can get to it better, just a few screws. Then I can check the strainer and check valve. I think that the antifreeze option was standard on classics but an option on TowLites in 2001. I'll double check for it though.

Boater: Unscrew the showerhead from the hose and suck on or apply suction to the end of the hose while the pump is on and the cold water faucet is open. . You will prime the pump that way in 10 seconds or so. Don't swallow any of the water.

Tried sucking it through the shower and got water but the pump wouldn't pump any. Took the inlet hose from the tank to the pump off and could easily suck through it, so it's not blocked. Put my finger over the suction inlet of the pump and no suction. Strainer was clean. So I ordered a new valve assembly from RVplus. I'll let you know if that fixes it. Thanks

I had to get a few mouths full of water but I finally got it to prime by sucking on the shower hose. It sounds like you may have other problems though. Good luck with the new valve!

I replaced the valve assembly and it's working fine now. Thanks for the help.