Water Pump Woes
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3508
Printed Date: 09 May 2024 at 10:47pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Water Pump Woes
Posted By: JohnR
Subject: Water Pump Woes
Date Posted: 19 May 2013 at 6:02pm
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I recently drained all of the water out of the fresh water tank to lighten the rpod up for towing into the mountains. When I filled up the tank, the water pump no longer worked. When I turn it on I can hear and feel it vibrating, but no water comes out. I let it run for 30 minutes to make sure it wasn't just filling up the hot water tank, but no luck. I am wondering if the pump might need to be primed or if it is just shot and in need of replacement. When I got home today, I ran water into the city water connection and made sure everything worked and the hot water tank was full. Still no luck when I turn off the hose. Thanks for any advice you might have! John 2011 Rpod 176 Toyota Highlander V6
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Replies:
Posted By: Bill-GA
Date Posted: 19 May 2013 at 6:14pm
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Make sure the antifreeze value is closed and not sucking air into the system. I also had this problem with a loose cap on water filter (next to pump) which sucked air. Lots of 'sputtering' and no water pressure with pump running continuously. ------------- Bill & Bev 13 yr old dachshund 'Elsa' 2010 RP-176T (tent & slide-out) 2011 Toyota Tundra 2WD TV |
Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 19 May 2013 at 7:55pm
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Its a self-priming pump, so nothing to do there. Also, I can get cold water out of the tap while the water heater is filling (and air sputtering out of the hot). As Bill-GA said, check your winterizing valve. Also, have a look at the filter on the pump (unscrew it, bang out any debris and replace it) and tighten all the connections. If it comes to it, replacing the pump is an easy job - the pipes screw on and the pump is mounted to the floor with four screws. I recommend buying a rubber mouse pad and putting it under the pump to help dampen the noise. ------------- Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150 |
Posted By: JohnR
Date Posted: 20 May 2013 at 12:24am
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Thanks for the advice! I was able to get the pump going briefly by sucking on the antifreeze tube and the twisting the stop cock, but the flow was weak and didn't last long. I will check the filter tomorrow, but I suspect I probably need to replace the pump.
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Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 20 May 2013 at 9:27am
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Pretty sure the pump has a 2 year warranty from the manufacturer (shurflo). But the things are near bomb proof, self priming and dry run capable. I will say that when I pulled out my filter the first time it was nearly completely full of plastic shavings.. ------------- |
Posted By: JohnR
Date Posted: 22 May 2013 at 8:10pm
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I pulled the filter and there was a lot of plastic in it, but not enough to clog the whole screen. I cleaned it and screwed it back in. Then I disconnected the input hose and turned the pump on. No suction! I just ordered a SHURflo 4008-101-E65 3.0 Revolution Water Pump from Amazon as a replacement for $78. Apparently it is exactly the same size as the older 2088 model. The revolution is supposed to be quieter. We will see! It looks like an easy install.
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Posted By: JohnR
Date Posted: 22 May 2013 at 8:27pm
 This is what the water filter looked like. I bet most rpod owners have plastic shavings in here!  This is what the pump looks like under the sink in our 176  This is the OEM Pump that failed. |
Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 22 May 2013 at 8:53pm
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just wondering if a filter cleaning is or should be part of yearly maintenance? I'm assuming probably so now that I read this and see all the plastic. ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 23 May 2013 at 9:20am
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It can' hurt a thing.. but I will point out no one has reported anything other than those plastic shavings, most assuredly left over from the build.. once they are out..
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Posted By: Thinker
Date Posted: 24 May 2013 at 3:12pm
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Where is the pump on my 171? I have not taken my rig apart yet.
Thanks in advance/ ------------- Tow Vehicle: 2013 Pathfinder 4WD R-POD Model 171 
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 24 May 2013 at 9:56pm
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I think it jumps around depending on year. Mine is next to the water heater under the queen, but other years put it under the kitchenette somewhere.
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: JohnR
Date Posted: 25 May 2013 at 5:38pm
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Follow up: The new pump fits the old mounting holes exactly. Water pressure is better than it ever was. To finish the Plumbing system rehab, I cleaned the faucet head with CLR. It seems to clog easily, but now is working well. FYI - If anyone needs a replacement, they sell what looks like the exact faucet that is in my rpod on Amazon for $32. Search for " http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004BB1CPG/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2526A4EPM2APX - RV / Mobile Home Kitchen Sink Faucet, OIL RUBBED BRONZE - 14.5" TALL SPOUT - WholesalePlumbing"
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Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 25 May 2013 at 5:46pm
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I have had my Pod for 3 years, I clean the filter every fall, how ever I have never had any dirt of any kind in the filter yet. Maybe I am lucky ------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: Goose
Date Posted: 26 May 2013 at 11:43pm
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I finally got the time to de-winterize the POD this afternoon and one of the first things that I did as I put water in the tank was to go looking for the filter at the pump. I was surprised at the amount of plastic shavings in the filter, THANK YOU to all that have mentioned this because after 3 years of use I learned something new, that there is a filter on the fresh water tank. Goose ------------- Mother Goose's Caboose..2011 RP171..07 Grand Cherokee 
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Posted By: DerekMc
Date Posted: 31 May 2013 at 6:19pm
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Same here Goose. Three years and a filter on the fresh water line was news to me. Just checked it now. Derek ------------- 2009 RP174 2010 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited |
Posted By: pcobelcz
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2013 at 7:04am
Problem. Air was sucking into the pump causing spitting at the sink and shower, eventually the pump would not stop running. 
From day one when I ran the water a little air would spit out of the fossetts. I thought this was the nom having never owned a trailer. My dealer told me to replace the filter "They always crack". What I found was the seal (O-ring) had folded over when it was put together. Now with the new filter, I checked the seal, my pump runs with out spitting air, and stops when it's at pressure. Now I have a spare filter.  ------------- Paul & Lois w/Whippets Chrysler 2010 4L R-Pod 177 |
Posted By: Goose
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2013 at 4:11pm
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pcobelcz, glad that it was an easy fix for you. Goose ------------- Mother Goose's Caboose..2011 RP171..07 Grand Cherokee
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