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Old 10-07-2011, 08:59 AM   #1
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Pulsating water pump

We are on our second trip with our 8524 RLS and we are having an issue with our water pump. When you flush the toilet everything works fine. When you use the shower or one of the faucets the water pump pulsates. Not a steady stream of water. Any ideas?
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Old 10-07-2011, 09:18 AM   #2
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With faucets your not using enough water.
Its normal.
There's a pressure switch on pump and if the water flow isn't enough the pump will ramp up and down according to flow.
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Old 10-07-2011, 09:19 AM   #3
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Perhaps an accumulator might work for you. Essentially, an accumulator is an add-on, purchased from a marine or RV parts store. I’m guessing other locations have this as well, but….
The accumulator works on a diaphragm system whereby an air pressure of about 10 pounds inside the unit presses on the opposite side of the rubber diaphragm, opposite the water forced into the unit by the water pump.
As the water pump continues to supply water, the accumulator expands and contracts via the diaphragm giving one a more steady water pressure.
We’ve used these for many years and found it successful in marine and RV applications.
Hope this helps,

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Old 10-07-2011, 09:21 AM   #4
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Ours does that also. As f1110turbo said, it is normal. No worries.
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Old 10-07-2011, 12:42 PM   #5
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Say what?

My camper does not do that. When I use the shower on the pump it runs constantly and steady. When I use the tap, again it runs steady.

Pulsates? (turns on and off while in use) It does not. If yours does you have a bad pressure switch in the pump (or set too tight between on and off).

Are you saying the PRESSURE pulsates? Goes up and down while the pump runs constantly? You might have a blockage in the inlet filter of the pump. Calcium from hard water forms on that screen and limits water flow.

Soak that filter in C.L.R. and that should fix your problem.
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Old 10-07-2011, 12:55 PM   #6
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Pulses up and down only on sinks. my 06 did it my 3 friends campers do it and my brand new one does it
just sayin
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Old 10-07-2011, 01:17 PM   #7
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Lou, if I don't have a full flow out of faucet, then mine will pump will cut on and off. With a full flow like the shower or out of a faucet, then the pump stays on.
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Old 10-07-2011, 02:40 PM   #8
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Chap and Ron,

I think we are looking at 2 different issues here.

Just got done winterizing my camper () and was shocked at the crap that came out of my water heater this time. There was "rubble" (Calcium and anode bits) about an inch deep on the floor of the water heater. It took about 15 minutes of flushing with the hooked wand I made to get all that crap out. The cold water feed is actually below the level of the crud. Any "pulses" in pressure could easily have sucked some of the crap into my cold water lines resulting in the blocked toilet valve I changed earlier in the summer.

Since the toilet and the sink faucets get used more than the shower, the aerator screens and sink valves are more likely to get contaminated with the detritus from the water heater. If what you are seeing only happens to "some" water usage points, I would concentrate my efforts there.

If it is ALL water usage points, the common item is the pump itself. If your pump cycles "a lot" when you crack the water valve, then I would look to a clogged inlet screen or close tolerance pressure switch in the pump. If cleaning the inlet screen does not fix the problem, a shurflo or larger air chamber may be your only solution.
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Old 10-07-2011, 03:07 PM   #9
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[QUOTE=herk7769;137849]

It took about 15 minutes of flushing with the hooked wand I made to get all that crap out.

Is the copper line in your picture the flushing wand that you use?

...close tolerance pressure switch in the pump.

Is there and adjusting screw on the pump, similar to home recir pumps?
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Old 10-07-2011, 03:16 PM   #10
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[QUOTE=Rebel702;137855]
Quote:
Originally Posted by herk7769 View Post

It took about 15 minutes of flushing with the hooked wand I made to get all that crap out.

Is the copper line in your picture the flushing wand that you use?

...close tolerance pressure switch in the pump.

Is there and adjusting screw on the pump, similar to home recir pumps?
No, I don't have a picture of the wand I use. It is a short section of vinyl tubing on a hose barb that flood cleans the water heater tank (The end is bent back in a "U" and wire tied in place). A member made and posted that one and my plan (when I get time) is to make one. I like his because he cut a slant facing backwards in the bottom of the tube at the end that force flushes that crap out the anode hole without blowing it into the cold water line.

It depends on your pump. Some do, but my OEM does not.
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Old 10-07-2011, 04:58 PM   #11
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An accumulator took care of my pump problems. The pump would cycle more than I preferred without it.

Lou, I feel you on the winterization. Did my trailer today as well. I nearly cried leaving the storage lot. I get a nice 6 month trip to Iraq early next year and then when I return summer will be nearly over. Not so much camping for me next year . On the bright side, when I return we PCS back home to FL and then a couple years later retire .
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Old 10-07-2011, 05:30 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by snjparham View Post
An accumulator took care of my pump problems. The pump would cycle more than I preferred without it.

Lou, I feel you on the winterization. Did my trailer today as well. I nearly cried leaving the storage lot. I get a nice 6 month trip to Iraq early next year and then when I return summer will be nearly over. Not so much camping for me next year . On the bright side, when I return we PCS back home to FL and then a couple years later retire .
Stay safe over there and thank you for your service.
I will be saving a spot next to our camper in Key West for you.
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