Community Forums

Sang Froid · 12-22-2022, 06:29 PM

I am embarrassed to post this but need help/info on replacing my water pump. I have a 2003 30’ Thor Hurricane.

I was moving to a new location about 2.5 hours away. I went non-stop and when I got to my new location I turned the engine off. I heard the water pump running (first embarrassment). I had left the pump switch on. I don’t know why it was running as all faucets were off. I opened the circular entrance on the driver side back storage. There must have been a slow water leak because I could see under the back that it was wet. I have about a quarter tank of water left. Why wouldn’t it pump water?? Did it burn out some pump parts?

The pump is in a very difficult area to access. I noticed a line coming straight up and thought it might be a priming source to prime the pump but when I put water into it it still wouldn’t pump water. It runs so it is receiving power. YouTube videos don’t show my model but indicated there is a filter. Could that stop the water? Where is the filter? I couldn’t see it?

In order to remove the pump I will have to cut into wall as the hole access is only about 8” in diameter. Is there another way to access it? Who would carry this pump one day before Christmas?

MrMark52 · 12-22-2022, 06:39 PM

Most any RV/Motorhome store that has retail parts sales will have a pump - better yet, if the pump motor runs, they might have a new “head kit” that you can just replace that.

If a filter was used, it is supposed to be on the pump inlet. It may be connected to the pump, or a few inches upstream.

I assume your boon docking and need the water pump (and therefore need the pump, and maybe some more water)?

Am surprised it will take such drastic measures as cutting an access hole to access the pump - usually removal of a panel or two is all it takes and in the end may allow better access to all the needed areas as well as getting needed tools and hands into loosen pipe fittings up.

be-happy · 12-23-2022, 03:47 AM

There should be a screen type filter on the pump. It will be held in place by a screw cap. If that screen gets clogged the pump will not be able to work. There is no prime needed for the pump the hose you are referring to may be the winterizing hose. Make sure that hose is capped off, and if thats what the hose really is there should be a diverter value close to or on the pump to make the hose function.

Not questioning you but I really find it hard to believe there is no real access to the pump.

Good Luck

triplewide · 12-23-2022, 03:58 AM

On both my Thor's the water pump was/is in the wet bay and does not require removal of anything to access it. Is it possible you had a line freeze causing a leak?
Where is your pump located, under bed, in bath room, under kitchen sink?

Sang Froid · 12-23-2022, 07:59 AM

Thanks for all the responses. I will attach a photo showing the access. There is no panel so I will have cut out a panel. What puzzles me is that when I push the on switch the pump runs even with all the faucets off. Is there some type of sensor that lets the pump know water is needed? Is it a pressure sensor? Would a slow leak cause that?
I am first going to cut the panel out and look for a filter. If there is one I’ll clean it. If not I’ll call local dealers in Tucson. Then I’ll fill the tank up full check again that the pump is not working, and if not, buy the new pump or head kit. Does that sound reasonable?
I tried uploading a photo but it just asked for a url. I tried uploading it on another irv2 page but it said photo was to large.
Again thanks for all the responses.

wolfgolden · 12-23-2022, 08:11 AM

If it runs nonstop it thinks there is not enough pressure built after the pump for the pressure sensor to shut off the pump.
Either the pump isn't building pressure or the sensor is bad.
Not having water running would indicate not building pressure.
When you open a faucet do you get anything? Air?
A slow leak would make the pump cycle very slowly. A full blown leak would push enough water you would see it somewhere around your coach eventually.
Sounds like a pump failure or not priming.

I have an extra pump if you are near Surprise Arizona...

**Lt Dan** · 12-23-2022, 08:38 AM

You don't have to have a URL to post photos, just upload them directly to the forum.

You may have to resize them with a photo editor first to no larger than 1800 pixels on any dimension.

Here’s a link in Forum 101 about how to post photos.
https://www.irv2.com/forums/f62/foru...tml#post477709

Unplanned Tourist · 12-23-2022, 08:59 AM

I have a different rig, but it will do the same if the fresh tank is low. I usually just open a tap at a sink and in a little while it builds pressure. Have you given it a little time with a tap open?

Also, be sure your fill/city and normal valve is set in the right direction.

Sang Froid · 12-23-2022, 09:25 AM

Wolfgang… I just passed through Surprise on my way from Wickenburg to Tucson! How much are you asking for the extra pump? Is it new/used/make ( sureflow/ flomax)/gpm. I‘be been getting quote’s from Tucson dealers of between $140 to $190.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfgolden

If it runs nonstop it thinks there is not enough pressure built after the pump for the pressure sensor to shut off the pump.
Either the pump isn't building pressure or the sensor is bad.
Not having water running would indicate not building pressure.
When you open a faucet do you get anything? Air?
A slow leak would make the pump cycle very slowly. A full blown leak would push enough water you would see it somewhere around your coach eventually.
Sounds like a pump failure or not priming.

I have an extra pump if you are near Surprise Arizona...

Sang Froid · 12-23-2022, 09:47 AM

Camping World just called and they have a Flojet for $99 with my Good Sam membership. Can anyone give me a review of that particular manufacturer.

Unplanned Tourist · 12-23-2022, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sang Froid

Camping World just called and they have a Flojet for $99 with my Good Sam membership. Can anyone give me a review of that particular manufacturer.

Just be sure to get one that doesn't have the second control switch. The simpler the better IMHO.

Sang Froid · 12-23-2022, 12:02 PM

It took me two hours to remove the old pump. I cut out the lower half of the cover. The hardest part was removing the screws. The wood was soaked the screws just spun in place. So I cut the rubber base and used pliers to remove the screws. They just popped out!
Hopefully the photos will upload.
I think the pump itself was leaking. I’m not sure how I will be able to install a new pump. There isn’t much room to put in a new wood base and screwing in screws on the back side of the pump may be impossible to install.

mlpeloquin · 12-23-2022, 12:33 PM

You can cut a larger opening and get some sheet metal from Lowes or Home Depot. Even a primed and painted 1/4" ply wood cover. You can add hinges for future access. You need to get the area dried out prior to covering any wet wood, otherwise rot will set in. Use a fan and it may take several days. Get hose extensions and hook up the water pump outside the opening until it is dry. Once dry use the next lager size screws to mount the water pump. It appears to be not as bad as it seems.

MrMark52 · 12-23-2022, 12:47 PM

You hit the nail on the head with regard to “something” was leaking! And it’s been doing that for a long time.
That floor is ROTTEN! Don’t know that I would worry with fastening it down as long as you keep the coach on at least 2 wheels (but in my opinion you would probably be better off strapping a couple of bricks to the top of the pump and hope that weighs it down in place).

And once you get the pump reinstalled - make sure to look for other leaks, cuz by the look of the dissolved solids (coming from the water) on various clamps and fittings and the looks of the rotted floor, there have been leaks in that compartment for some time.

What I see there looks just exactly like what I found in our ‘91 coach when we got it in ‘18. A couple of fittings that were all but impossible to access that had probably leaked from day 1 in the ownership of the coach.