Community Forums

Dutch Star David · 11-06-2016, 03:40 PM

While at October-fest, I asked one of the technicians how to drain water from the tank without losing prime. I did as he instructed and, of course, lost prime. I've tried the "outside faucet" procedure several times to no avail. Any other tricks? Have you replaced the factory pump with something that will keep and/or re-prime better. I sure hate to think I have to carry a bucket of water in the kitchen sink in order to have water while on the road.

Misty123 · 11-06-2016, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dlovitt

While at October-fest, I asked one of the technicians how to drain water from the tank without losing prime. I did as he instructed and, of course, lost prime. I've tried the "outside faucet" procedure several times to no avail. Any other tricks? Have you replaced the factory pump with something that will keep and/or re-prime better. I sure hate to think I have to carry a bucket of water in the kitchen sink in order to have water while on the road.

Try priming it like you are winterizing then switch to water tank.

oldcat · 11-06-2016, 04:17 PM

How long did you run the pump? I have run my fresh tank dry and lost prime. I fill the fresh tank full (to put max pressure on outlet) and still have to wait two or three minutes with faucet open for pump to prime. It seems like it takes forever, but it will eventually prime itself.

Dutch Star David · 11-06-2016, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Misty123

Try priming it like you are winterizing then switch to water tank.

Worked to winterize but still no prime once winterizing hose removed from bucket of water.

Old-Biscuit · 11-06-2016, 04:53 PM

Pump looses prime when suction line sucks air..........

After that open fresh water tank drain and empty rest of tank

Pump will prime when water level is above end of suction line AND a faucet is open so pump can push air out.
They are designed to run dry w/o damage so if it takes a while to prime no harm

Dutch Star David · 11-06-2016, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldcat

How long did you run the pump? I have run my fresh tank dry and lost prime. I fill the fresh tank full (to put max pressure on outlet) and still have to wait two or three minutes with faucet open for pump to prime. It seems like it takes forever, but it will eventually prime itself.

15 minutes. Wonder if we have the same pump? Looks like a bucket in the sink for the rest of this trip. Problem=water pump about 24" above the outlet in the tank??

brobox · 11-06-2016, 04:57 PM

I lost prime the other day because I forgot to close the tank fill valve. It took 2 gallons through the suction line to get the prime back. I opened the bathroom facet to get the air out. Outside shower would have worked as well.

757driver · 11-06-2016, 09:24 PM

When is the last time the pump worked properly? It may not be the prime.

Matt D · 11-07-2016, 03:04 AM

Regarding a replacement, I wired up a separate relay and power circuit driven by the OEM switches powering an Aquajet ARV pump.

The upside is it has a ton of pressure, hasn't ever lost prime, and is a variable speed pump.

The downside is it is very loud. I'm working on a quiet mount for it.

We used the same pump in our last coach to replace the Shurflo 4004 in it. I had such trouble getting reliable service from the 4004 it is relegated to backup status.

-Matt

Dutch Star David · 11-07-2016, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 757driver

When is the last time the pump worked properly? It may not be the prime.

Right before the tech showed me how to drain the tank. I probably drained less than a quart and it lost prime.

757driver · 11-07-2016, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dlovitt

Right before the tech showed me how to drain the tank. I probably drained less than a quart and it lost prime.

A common problem with these pumps is the inlet valve on the pump gets stuck in the closed position. The pump will run and not pump water. Taking the head off and gently pushing on the valve will free it up.

brobox · 11-08-2016, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 757driver

A common problem with these pumps is the inlet valve on the pump gets stuck in the closed position. The pump will run and not pump water. Taking the head off and gently pushing on the valve will free it up.

Yep, instead of having the problem when the pump is really needed, I am going to elect for an upgraded pump. It's on my list now to change pumps before our next trip and keep the current pump as a backup. My pump is making noise where it never did before, so I don't trust it.

Dr4Film · 11-08-2016, 07:11 AM

What brand/model of water pump are we all talking about on this thread?

I have an AquaJet -ARV5503 water pump which is self-priming and has never lost prime. I have lost water pressure when the water tank runs low below the water pickup for the pump. Fill the tank and turn on some faucets to release the air and the water supply is all back to normal.

So what's up with these water pumps that are used in the Entegra coaches?

I sure hope that they didn't use ShurFlo water pumps. Never been impressed with their quality and reliability.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

Matt D · 11-08-2016, 07:25 AM

Richard, our 2012 Tiffin had a Shurflo 4004, I became adept at adjusting and keeping it in working order. Very poor performance.

Imagine my disappointment at discovering the exact same 4004 installed by Entegra in our 2017 Aspire. The first pump didn't survive our first trip, CS sent a new one and shortly after that I modified our coach to use the Aquajet ARV.

I'm currently working on a noise reducing mount and expect that to minimize the significant sound produced by this awesome pump.

-Matt