shuffle water pumps not working

christopher · April 10, 2011, 05:08:57 PM

why do these pumps decide not to work anymore? the motor works but does not pump water. i took it apart and the diaphragms look good
Thanks
Chris

Sean · April 10, 2011, 09:45:46 PM

I don't know what a "shuffle" pump is.

Most RV water pumps are the diaphragm type, consisting of a swash plate moving several chambers, molded into a single-piece diaphragm assembly, against a check valve assembly. Pumps commonly have three, four, or five chambers and are easily distinguished by the distinctive triangular, square, or pentagonal head.

If the motor is turning and you can feel the pump vibrating from the eccentric swash plate movement, then the problem is either the diaphragm or the check valve. The check valve usually goes out first.

New diaphragms, check valve assemblies, or entire head rebuild kits are available from the manufacturer. However, I have had some success getting failed pumps working again by reconditioning the check valve.

Remove the check valve assembly per the manufacturer's instructions. Place it, cup-side up, in a shallow disposable container; I like to use the round ones that hummus comes in as they are the perfect size. Now fill the container with WD-40 until the check valve assembly is just fully immersed. Leave it to soak for about fifteen minutes, then drain all the WD-40 off the assembly and thoroughly wash with dish soap and water. Flush liberally with clean water and reinstall.

The WD-40 swells and softens the EPDM rubber in the valve assembly, often enough to stop the leakage that is keeping the pump from pumping. WD-40 has extremely low ingestion toxicity (you'd need to drink several ounces of it to get sick) and almost none of it will remain on the valves after washing.

You may notice a layer of black oxidation that comes off in your hands as you wash the assembly; this is normal.

I recommend you have a replacement valve readily available when you do this, in case something goes wrong.

HTH,

-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com

JackConrad · April 11, 2011, 04:53:42 AM

Quote from: Sean on April 10, 2011, 09:45:46 PM
I don't know what a "shuffle" pump is.

Maybe he meant Shurflo??? Jack

christopher · April 11, 2011, 05:50:35 AM

YES SHUR FLO.
Thanks for the response. I will try that. the motor works. there is no suction.
Chris

TomC · April 11, 2011, 07:10:43 AM

A new water pump is about $150.00-just get a new one. Good Luck, TomC

uncle ned · April 11, 2011, 07:16:02 AM

Just bought a new on off ebay for 63:00 dollars. came from georgia

Would have rebuilt mine but broke the screws getting it apart. It was just full of nasty crap,but was at least 15 years old.

uncle ned

Iceni John · April 11, 2011, 09:53:11 AM

http://www.adventurerv.net/shurflo-water-pump-12v-gpm-camper-p-106.html
I just bought two of these. (Seems silly that I get the best price from 2,000 miles away, when they're made a few miles from here!) At this price, is it worth trying to fix yours?

John

boogiethecat · April 11, 2011, 02:35:38 PM

I've found that what used to make my pumps not work was the little bits of crap and plastic burrs left from drilling the water tank to install spin fittings would make their way to the pump after a few months and get under the valve seats where they would get stuck, keeping the valves opened. Removing them plus installing a simple surflo filter installed prior to the pump fixed it.