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Old 04-30-2017, 05:18 PM   #1
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Water pump - did I mess up?

De-winterizing today.

For the last rinse cycle, I filled the fresh tank, and then drained out using the low point drain under camper.

A couple hours later (after the fresh tank was empty), I noticed the water pump switch was still on. I did not hear the customary hum sound from the pump. Did I burn out the pump because it was turned on with no water in the tank?
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Old 04-30-2017, 05:27 PM   #2
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It should have blown the fuse before burning up. The water pump fuse may not be in the main fuse panel. Our GTS has an in-line fuse for the water pump installed near the pump.
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Old 04-30-2017, 05:51 PM   #3
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Most like likely you have a Shurflow water pump and would not have been damaged, from their website:

SHURFLO®’s REVOLUTION™ fresh water pump design was created with a unique one-piece diaphragm and internal by-pass, assuring long life and top performance in all plumbing systems. Designed as the next legendary pump to exceed the expectations of our customers, the REVOLUTION™ Pump is built for high flow demand, low noise and no rapid cycling. SHURFLO®’s quality reputation is built on the reliability and dependability of every pump we build. The 4008 REVOLUTION™ fresh water automatic demand pump is super quiet, thermally protected and can run dry without damage. Mounts in any position.
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Old 05-01-2017, 06:35 AM   #4
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I accidentally left the water pump on in my trailer for 2 days and could hear it humming but had no water. Didn't seem to hurt it.
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Old 05-01-2017, 06:50 AM   #5
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Like Fonzie said, it's likely not harmed.
I left the WP in my previous rig on for several hours once with no
apparent harm.
It's easy to do! When the pump is actually pumping water it's gonna
make some noise and you can hear it. Once it's pumped dry and "sucking
air" it gets very quiet.... I bet there's a bunch of folks hanging out here
that have done the same thing!

Many years ago early RV pumps used flexible rubber "gears" much like
those in an outboard engine water pump. If you ran those kind dry for very long they
would heat up the rubber and demolish the impeller.

Today's RV water pumps won't do that.
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Old 05-01-2017, 06:53 AM   #6
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It would be a guess on my part if it was or wasn't so put some water in the tank and give it a try if it works great if not check your fuse panel or look for an inline fuse. Let the forum know what you find
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Old 05-02-2017, 02:46 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by paulmlac View Post
De-winterizing today.

For the last rinse cycle, I filled the fresh tank, and then drained out using the low point drain under camper.

A couple hours later (after the fresh tank was empty), I noticed the water pump switch was still on. I did not hear the customary hum sound from the pump. Did I burn out the pump because it was turned on with no water in the tank?

I guess my question is did you have a faucet or shower on? I ask because, I don't dry camp much, and recently, I planned a trip where we will be doing just that, so I sanitized my FW tank. But my understanding, which could be wrong, is if you have the faucets all close, the pump will stop and just sit and wait even if the switch is on. Then when a faucet is opened, it goes back on. Of course, I guess it could just be my model. I assumed all pumps work this way on campers. When we did our walk thru, The tech told me it is a great way to know if you have a leak. No noise, and you don't have a leak. Like others have say, put some water in and try it. Hope it is fine.
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Old 05-02-2017, 07:19 AM   #8
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i left my pump on for 24 hrs dry running now motor runs pump can't get it to pump water my camper is a 2015 235 cherokee don't have clue about model or make of pump. i cleaned out filter had some plastic shavings in it no help. anyone got any ideas
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Old 05-02-2017, 07:57 AM   #9
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Ned and Sharon,
Does your RV have a black tank flush? If so, the black tank valve ( located near the water pump) may be turned on which will prevent suction from the fresh water tank. Turn the valve and the pump should draw water.
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Old 05-02-2017, 08:03 AM   #10
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Also try opening a faucet, leave it open so there is zero pressure in the
lines and let the pump run for several minutes.
Sometimes mine is slow to prime if it's been dry for a while.
It always does eventually prime tho...

You are SURE there is water in the tank and all winterizing valves (anti-freeze suction line?) are shut or in their correct positions for normal use?
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Old 05-02-2017, 08:10 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CNYCamper View Post
Ned and Sharon,
Does your RV have a black tank flush? If so, the black tank valve ( located near the water pump) may be turned on which will prevent suction from the fresh water tank. Turn the valve and the pump should draw water.
I think you are confusing the black tank flush with the winterizing port.
Two different things.
The winterizing port has a valve that switches the pump's intake source form the fresh tank to the winterizing port.
The black tank flush isn't in that system at all.
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Old 05-02-2017, 10:44 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 5picker View Post
I think you are confusing the black tank flush with the winterizing port.
Two different things.
The winterizing port has a valve that switches the pump's intake source form the fresh tank to the winterizing port.
The black tank flush isn't in that system at all.
You are correct! Thanks for catching. Apparently my brain had not yet engaged when I posted.
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Old 05-02-2017, 11:02 AM   #13
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My pump ran for 5 days a few years ago and it still works fine.
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Old 05-03-2017, 08:22 PM   #14
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OP here -

Went to RV tonight with a few gallons of water. Poured one in, turned on pump, opened a tap, got water out, and heard the pump pumping. So all is good.

Thanks everyone.
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Old 05-04-2017, 07:30 AM   #15
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Thanks for the follow up and we love a happy ending!
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