freshwater pump problems

Mike_J · Posted: Tue May 07, 2013 12:12 pm Post subject: freshwater pump problems

I seem to be having problems with the freshwater pump installed in my 2011 C-dory and I am wondering whether I should:
a) stick with the electric system and get it replaced (it may still be under warranty). This may be a fair bit of labour and cost if not under warranty
b) switch to a hand flipper pump like the whale one - looks like it would be nice and simple...
c) change to a foot pump. Also simpler, but I use the space where the foot pump is for a boat hook or paddle at times...

What experience do folks have with the hand pump? I had one on my Westphalia many years ago and it worked well.

thataway · Posted: Tue May 07, 2013 1:46 pm Post subject:

I like the manual pumps, because they tend to save water, with the small water tank in the C Dory. However, it takes more time to drain the tank for cleaning or the end of season.

What pump do you have? A small in line pump such as Jabsco makes (switch on the faucet base)? Surflo, Jabsco or FloJet?

I wonder how the foot pump would interfere with the storage of a paddle or boat hook. I have never put a boat hook or paddle under the galley---usually leave them under the gunnel.

I currently have the Whale rubber diaphragm foot pump, which we like. There is also a lever action pump. The flipper Pump I had in the first 22 I owned, and put in a small inline pump, with a momentary switch on the front of the galley counter. On the Tom Cat and 25 we had SurFlo (I think), and no problems with it. All of the larger electric pumps have rebuild kits--and that would be my first choice in dealing with your problem.

ghone · Posted: Tue May 07, 2013 4:09 pm Post subject:

Hi there. You don't mention what the trouble is with the pump. The new cd's. ( mine is 2011) come with a high end shut flo sensor pump that is performing well in liveaboard mode. What is your pump doing?

journey on · Posted: Tue May 07, 2013 8:47 pm Post subject:

I had trouble with the fresh water pump in Journey On. The polyethylene (I guess) water tank was never cleaned after it was made and was full of plastic shavings. Since there was no filter, the swarf ended up in the pump. It said a lot for the pump that it never quit pumping water, just the relief valve leaked so it would cycle in the middle of the night.

I disassemble it, cleaned the relief valve, installed a filter and it's been working great ever since. Just to be sure I installed a rebuild kit since I never wanted to pull it again.

Hope this helps.

Boris

Mike_J · Posted: Tue May 07, 2013 9:06 pm Post subject:

Hi George and all. I discovered once I got the boat home, that it was a circuit breaker that was broken. Once I got the electrics switched around so that the sink pump was working of one of the other circuits, it was working again. Just a couple of electrics to sort out! So I will stick with the electric!
Thanks for all the advice - great as always.

tsturm · Posted: Tue May 07, 2013 10:26 pm Post subject:

ghone · Posted: Tue May 07, 2013 11:09 pm Post subject:

Good to hear. Enjoy your boat

dread · Posted: Sat Aug 31, 2013 12:23 pm Post subject: Flojet Water Pump

Apparently the fresh water pump on my 2006 25' Cruiser is toast.

This is the proposed replacement:
FloJet Quad DC Water System Pump, 12VDC, 3.3Ga/min,
3.9amp, 1/2" Hose & 1/2" Thread 182134 04405143A

Is this a good choice/

journey on · Posted: Sat Aug 31, 2013 1:08 pm Post subject:

I think that those water pumps are rv pumps installed on floating RV's. And they've never failed for me. So either the Flojet 4305 or 4405 is a good choice, since they're cheap and reliable.

Look on the internet, here's one for $95 including shipping at Star Marine Depot: [ur=http://www.starmarinedepot.com/flojet-quiet-quad-water-system-pump---12vdc~pzz16798.html?gclid=CNzv4IiTqLkCFRRk7AodG2AAZwl]Flojet pump[/url]. Again you get the URL and the name.

I'm interested why your pump is toast? Ir runs but will not pump? The motor died? The reason I'm asking is that is a freshwater pump and can be rebuilt.

When you install the new one, make sure you flush the lines and it wouldn't hurt to put in a filter upstream of the pump. I put one of those filters in and I think it works by scaring to junk out, since it's never had any signs of contamination.

Boris

dread · Posted: Sat Aug 31, 2013 1:23 pm Post subject: FloJet Water Pump

Mine doesn't run at all. The StarMarine unit is 04406143A, whereas the one at WestMarine is 04405143A. I have no idea what difference this makes.

Is there a more reliable brand?

Bill K · Posted: Sat Aug 31, 2013 1:30 pm Post subject:

Are you sure your pressure switch is working ?

Bill Kelleher

dread · Posted: Sat Aug 31, 2013 2:57 pm Post subject:

Yes, at least the light goes on.

localboy · Posted: Sat Aug 31, 2013 3:11 pm Post subject:

We are on our third. First one died and Kitsap Marine (Matt) replaced it, no cost. Second one was user error; I did not fun anti-freeze through it and it froze. Third one has worked fine, once I re-mounted it vertically in the bilge to keep it OUT of the standing water.... Rolling Eyes

I have a re-built one as a spare, on board.

thataway · Posted: Sat Aug 31, 2013 3:18 pm Post subject:

I certainly agree, that it may be more cost effective to rebuild the current pump--find out if the pressure switch or a bad connection etc. In my Tom Act there was a bad crimp in the wiring, and that failed. When I put in a replacement pump, I always use quick disconnect electrical fittings (spade type) to make the next change out easier.

The difference between the two pumps 4405-143A, the West Marine has a Special internal bypass feature eliminates pulsating water and pressure switch chatter. So the flow will be a little smoother. The 4406-143 A does not have the "internal bypass". I Find some of the pumps in the high $60's on the internet. The former will have a smoother flow.

The water pump does need a fine screen filter just before the pump, as Boris suggested.

dread · Posted: Sat Aug 31, 2013 11:20 pm Post subject:

As always, you guys are great and have more useful information than any other source. It makes being a newbie so much easier and gives us confidence.