Water Problem

[hoppy]

Just purchase a used 2001 Coleman Mesa model, and took it out on it's maden voyage.

     One problem that I had, was pumping the water from the 20 gallon storage tank to the sink.

     I switched on the pump, opened the cabnet door, and heard the pump was running.  I opened all of the faucet's to purge air from all the lines, but it still would not draw water from the tank.

      I let the pump run for about 3 -4 minutes, and shut it off fearing I would burn up the pump running it without water.

     Is there something I am doing or not doing causing the pump not to self-prime? The owners manual just mentions how to fill the tank, turn on the pump, and open up the faucet's.

   I hooked up to the city supply water, and everything worked perfectly.

   Needless to say, I had to empty out 20 gallons of water that I could not use.

    My camper has a hot water heater if this may have any bearing on the solution. But the heater filled up fine and worked great on the city side water supply.

     Help!!!! This really has me stumped.

     Thanks for the help.

      Hoppy

[MtnCamper]

Your pump has lost it's prime, and is having a hard time sucking the water from the tank. It's got a hose full of air to concur and can't do it. If you can take the hose off the supply side of the pump, pour some water into it then try it again. Should work better. Also the inside of the pump may be dry itself, it could use a little moisture in it to help the pumping action. If you got a piece of hose and an extra fitting, I use that to pump a little water from a container first. This is what I do in the spring, after winterizing. From then on, there is water in the pump all the time, and it works. Hope this helps.

[Tim5055]

Another thing to think about is that the filter/screen may be blocked.  On the inlet side of the pump there is usually a screen/filter.  You can remove it to make surre it is clear.

In THIS PHOTO you can see the filter on just above the pump.  Unhook the water line and it screws right off the side of the pump.

[hoppy]

Thanks gang...... I'll give both pieces of advise a try.  

   They have to work.

  Nice clean filter, and a complete prime into the pump.....

    I thought I read some where in the mountains of paprework that came with the camper that these Sure-Flow pumps were self priming, and would draw as low as 6' FT. I'm only trying to draw slightly more  than 6 inches.

    Guess you can't believe everything you read.


    Thanks again.

    Hoppy

[tlhdoc]

If the filter on your pump is clean then I think you should just let the pump run longer.  It takes a while for my pump to suck all of the air out of the water lines and water heater.  I have found a quicker way to fill my water heater and lines.  I tow with the water tank empty.  When I fill my water tank at the campground I fill it all the way.  Then I hook the hose to the city water inlet and turn the hose back on.  I open the hot water faucet of my outside shower and leave it open until water starts to spray out of the hose.  Then shut the hot water faucet and open the cold water faucet.  I leave it open until the water starts to spray out of the cold side.  Now I have my water heater full (so I don't pump 6 gallons from the 20 gallon tank into the water heater) and most of the water lines are full too.  Then when I get to the campsite and turn on the pump it only runs for a short time.  One not-make sure your inside faucets are closed before you turn the water at the city water inlet.

[hoppy]

thldoc,

  That is what I pretty much did, with the exception of purging the outside shower.

   I started with a completely full tank, hooked up the city supply, ran water to fill the hot water tank, and opened both mixing valves on the sink. Once I had good flow through both sides (run for a minute or so) I shut them off.  I disconnected the city supply, and turned on the pump. Opened up both mixer valves....Let it run for 3-4 minutes, and it still would not prime. I think mine will need to be primed for the first time, and it should run after that.

   Thanks for your suggestions. I am sure they will be useful in the future.


    Hoppy

[tlhdoc]

I hope that you get it working.   There are a lot of very nice parks that don't have water hookups.