Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on February 03, 2013, 11:41:01 pm

Title: Replacement water pump
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on February 03, 2013, 11:41:01 pm
Hi folks,

Looking for feedback on replacement water pump for 2001 U320. 
How are the Shurflo Extreme™ Series Smart Sensor 5.7 pumps holding up?

I have looked at posts in the archives,  most are pretty old.

Thanks
Title: Re: Replacement water pump
Post by: J. D. Stevens on February 03, 2013, 11:52:38 pm
We have been pleased with Aquajet RV from RV Water Filter Store: Standard Filter Canisters for Whole RV (http://www.rvwaterfilterstore.com/Pumps.htm). It was a direct replacement for the OEM pump in our coach. I added the "soft loop" hoses and left the accumulator in the system. It is much quieter than the previous pump, which was pretty noisy. Other people have used the ShurFlo replacements and can provide reports of their experience.

We also use Aquatec 8800 RO boost pump (24 VAC from 120 VAC transformer) for the "whole house" RO system. It has performed flawlessly and is very quiet.
Title: Re: Replacement water pump
Post by: Bill & Deanne Brown on February 03, 2013, 11:58:20 pm
Shurflo quit manufacturing the Extreme™ Series Smart Sensor 5.7 early last year and now provide only 4.0 gpm as their largest pump model!  Several other vendors offer pumps around ~5 gpm that can be substituted.
Title: Re: Replacement water pump
Post by: Barry & Cindy on February 04, 2013, 12:01:11 am
Shurflow 5.7 is old technology prone to problems. Buy Shurflo 4048, which works differently and has few problems.
 From: Home2fromHastings [mailto:Roger.pdxdev@gmail.com]
 Sent: Sunday, February 03, 2013 9:41 PM To: foretraveler@gmail.com

Subject: [ForeForums] Replacement water pump
Title: Re: Replacement water pump
Post by: Barry Beam on February 04, 2013, 12:12:04 am
Shurflow 5.7 is old technology prone to problems. Buy Shurflo 4048, which works differently and has few problems.
I replaced another Shurflow 5.7 in Quartzsite under warranty that I replaced 3 months ago. They gave me a 4048 this time. In 10 years I have replaced it many times under warranty. Each time it reset the warranty for 3 more years. ???
Title: Re: Replacement water pump
Post by: Gary Bouland (RIP) on February 04, 2013, 08:23:03 am
One thing that I found with the Shurflo 5.7 is that cannot have ANY water leaks.  Even the smallest leak that allows pressure to sag will cause the pump to try to continue to keep pressure up and that builds heat and that destroys the pump.  My problem was a leaky plastic plug at the water heater, It barely dripped but that was enough for the pressure to drop and call for the pump to try to run.
JMHO
Gary B
Title: Re: Replacement water pump
Post by: gam on February 04, 2013, 12:17:36 pm
No matter what pump you install I still thing you should make sure the accumulator is working and keep it in the system. Without it any leak in the system can  make the pump cycle on and off very rapidly and generate a lot of heat . Gam
Title: Re: Replacement water pump
Post by: J. D. Stevens on February 04, 2013, 04:52:50 pm
My problem was a leaky plastic plug at the water heater,
If the plastic plug leaks, it may be prudent to remove it, to inspect it, and likely to replace it. I had tightened the plug on our water heater a couple of times to stop the leaks. When the plug starting leaking a couple of weeks ago, I tried to tighten it. The plug broke and the water pressure blew most of the plug about 20 feet from the coach. The remainder of the plug was in the water heater. Fortunately, this happened in Camp Foretravel. Alton helped me replace the plug. He used a pick to pull the stub of the plug. He used a tap and a brass plug to fix the damage I caused trying to remove the stub with a screwdriver. We now carry a spare plastic plug, some pipe tape, and a bit more experience.

If the plug blows, be sure that the electric heating element is turned off immediately. Fortunately, I remembered that step soon enough to avoid damaging the heating element.

We have and accumulator tank. I noticed there was a problem during the night when the pump was cycling briefly about every 20-40 minutes.
Title: Re: Replacement water pump
Post by: Steve Mudd on February 04, 2013, 11:28:06 pm
This subject it interesting. My plastic plug had a small leak....I replaced the plastic plug with an anode rod and also had to tape the plug and tighten it extremely tight. Does not leak at all. I replace anode rod once per year. I was told I do not need an anode. ANy ideas on this? I only have a gas water heater..no electric heating element. I get a lot of calcium build up in my water heater when I clean it out once per year. I alway use a water filter. Previously calcium clogged up my water faucets in bath, kitchen and I had to replace. 

I also replaced my accumlator take myself while at FOT service a couple weeks ago. The bladder was busted, accumulator tank filled with water. My issue was that my water pump would recycle ever 30-45 minutes....no leaks, drove me nuts!  Foretravel wanted  $251 just for the tank plus labor. I went to Lowes and bought one for $39 and installed it in 30minutes or so....easy to do, remove one fitting and 2 supporting straps, that's it.  I put in 17psi in the tank per instructions. ANy ideas on this.....is this the correct pressure?

Appreciate any comments on the above issues....thanks.
Title: Re: Replacement water pump
Post by: gam on February 05, 2013, 12:51:31 am
IF you have an Atwood heater with aluminum tank no anode should be used only a plastic plug. Suburban heaters need an anode. Gam
Title: Re: Replacement water pump
Post by: bbeane on February 05, 2013, 05:52:56 am
Just replaced mine with a FloJet and accumulator assy, on my 1999 it is a direct replacement for the orginal 14 year OEM. Works great 30 min install.
Title: Re: Replacement water pump
Post by: J. D. Stevens on February 05, 2013, 10:31:47 am
Steve, you might wish to use a water softener to help avoid calcium buildup. In our stick house we use well water with high mineral content. There were lots of mineral deposits on shower walls when we moved into the house. We added a high quality softening system. The softened water has removed most of the mineral deposits, cut down on the use of cleaning agents, and been a good improvement. We use a small RO system for drinking water.

In our coach, we installed a "whole house" RO system. Based on our experience, I recommend an RO system for drinking water and a softener/filter system for the whole coach.

My understanding is that the minimum pressure in your accumulator tank should be very near the "turn on" pressure of your water pump. Your current setting of 17 psi sounds a bit low to me. I just checked our coach. Accumulator was around 10 psi -- way to low. Things still worked well. Pressure range for our Aquatec ES appears to be 35-55 psi. I opened a kitchen faucet, turned off the water pump, and set the accumulator to 35 psi. A brief test indicated that things are still working well.
Title: Re: Replacement water pump
Post by: Jimmyjnr on April 19, 2013, 10:41:48 am
Just reading this post because our pump is super noisy also suspect leak on plastic water heater plug ( Teflon tape ) . Which pump would you guys recommend as direct replacement . 2003 U295
Title: Re: Replacement water pump
Post by: Rick on April 19, 2013, 05:07:54 pm
Hi folks,

Looking for feedback on replacement water pump for 2001 U320. 
How are the Shurflo Extreme™ Series Smart Sensor 5.7 pumps holding up?

I have looked at posts in the archives,  most are pretty old.

Thanks
Roger,
My 5.7 has held up excellent. A couple of times a fuse has blown but other than that no problems 5+years. While browsing in a Camping World store in Garden City, SC, I saw some ShurFlo 4900-0211 pumps on clearance. At $77.00 I thought it was worth it to grab one to carry as a spare.
good luck,
Rick
Title: Re: Replacement water pump
Post by: Michelle on April 19, 2013, 05:25:25 pm
Just reading this post because our pump is super noisy also suspect leak on plastic water heater plug ( Teflon tape ) . Which pump would you guys recommend as direct replacement . 2003 U295

Which pump do you currently have?

Our '03 came OEM with an AquaJet variable speed 5.3  Aquajet RV/ES Pumps (http://www.aquatec.com/aquajet-rves-pumps.html)

Rv Water Filter Store carries them RV Water Filter Store: Standard Filter Canisters for Whole RV (http://www.rvwaterfilterstore.com/Pumps.htm)

as does RV UpgradeStore (lower price) Remco Aquajet RV Water Pump (http://www.rvupgradestore.com/Aquajet-RV-Water-Pump-p/aquajetrv.htm)

If your pump is noisy, it may be contacting/vibrating something, including the existing plumbing hookup if you don't have the "quiet loop" (which is just flex line rather than hard plumbing): The selected media item is not currently available.

Michelle
Title: Re: Replacement water pump
Post by: Barry & Cindy on April 19, 2013, 08:34:00 pm
It is recommended that one should NOT purchase the Surflo Smart Sensor 5.7 as most have problems with them over & over.
Shurflo is no-charge trading 5.7 pump within their 3-year warranty (from mfg date on label) for their new 4048. All dealers including Camping World will do the free exchange.

The Shurflo 4048 has no electronics to fail and uses an innovative internal water bypass that works very well to reduce motor pulsing at low water flows at faucet.

Shurflo also has a slightly smaller earlier 4008 that works the same way as the 4048 that has a much lower cost.
Title: Re: Replacement water pump
Post by: Jimmyjnr on April 19, 2013, 09:03:23 pm
Michele , you are right again , it's the aqua jet 5.3 with flex loop , but still very noisy
Title: Re: Replacement water pump
Post by: Jimmyjnr on April 19, 2013, 09:22:03 pm
Ps  Date on pump is 10/02/01 so think its out of warranty
Title: Re: Replacement water pump
Post by: Kent Speers on April 19, 2013, 10:17:46 pm
Which pump do you currently have?

Our '03 came OEM with an AquaJet variable speed 5.3  Aquajet RV/ES Pumps (http://www.aquatec.com/aquajet-rves-pumps.html)

Rv Water Filter Store carries them RV Water Filter Store: Standard Filter Canisters for Whole RV (http://www.rvwaterfilterstore.com/Pumps.htm)

as does RV UpgradeStore (lower price) Remco Aquajet RV Water Pump (http://www.rvupgradestore.com/Aquajet-RV-Water-Pump-p/aquajetrv.htm)

If your pump is noisy, it may be contacting/vibrating something, including the existing plumbing hookup if you don't have the "quiet loop" (which is just flex line rather than hard plumbing): The selected media item is not currently available.

Michelle

Steve, Michelle's husband, is a Whiz Bang at installing water pumps IF you can catch him at Camp Fortravel and IF you can convince him your bad shoulder prevents you from doing the job. However, he does not install the nifty flexible hoses to make it quieter. He's to smart for that!!!

By the way, Dave Abel is equally gullible, oh I mean helpful. Both are fine guys and great friends to have. Neither of them were around this past summer so I had to do the last install myself, well Peggy did help.

I will be having a should replacement in May or June so I would like volunteers to be "on the ready" just in case my water pump goes out again. PM your availability. :D :D :D :D :D
Title: Re: Replacement water pump
Post by: J. D. Stevens on April 19, 2013, 11:45:52 pm
Oh, man! I didn't know Steve does water pump installations. They told me my water pump was noisy, but didn't offer to install a replacement. :D

We installed the Aquajet ES with the soft loops. It was so easy that I did it by myself and it has continued to work for a year. The ES is rated to draw 6A so original wiring and relays are adequate. I left the accumulator in the system. We've been pleased with the results.
Title: Re: Replacement water pump
Post by: Felix and Gail on April 20, 2013, 12:07:17 am
My shurflo 5.7 just went out and was three months out ot warranty from the last replacement. They sent a 4048 and it pulsated after installation. I called tech. and he advise  turning adjustment screw clockwise 1/4 to 1/2 turn. Has been working perfectly . I have changed the 5.7 three times all under warranty.
Title: Re: Replacement water pump
Post by: Dave and Nancy Abel on April 20, 2013, 06:42:06 am
Howdy Kent,
  Thanks for the shout out!!  Good Luck with your shoulder. 
Hope all is well, ttyl, Dave A
Title: Re: Replacement water pump
Post by: Jimmyjnr on September 16, 2013, 11:13:18 pm
Just about to order new pump reviews on the remco aquajet , most seem unhappy with noise ( my problem ) anybody really happy with their pump . Before I order another aquajet ??
Title: Re: Replacement water pump
Post by: J. D. Stevens on September 16, 2013, 11:50:56 pm
We replaced our noisy old Shur-Flo (don't remember model) with Aquajet ES. We added the soft loops. We been pleased with the Aquajet ES for sound level and performance. Replacement was easy and required no new wiring.
Title: Re: Replacement water pump
Post by: fkjohns6083 on September 17, 2013, 12:03:27 am
Dont have any problems with my pump, but I did replace the small bladder tank with one about twice it's size and it really saves alot of cycling on the pump which adds to its longevity.  I got the larger tank at a marine boat parts place.  Have a great day  ----  Fritz
Title: Re: Replacement water pump
Post by: Dave Cobb on September 17, 2013, 06:53:42 pm
We installed a Shurflo 4048 in April.  We removed the bladder tank, which had failed and was full of water.  The new pump is very quiet, and we installed some soft hose in the system as well.  The pump is said to work without a bladder and so far so good.
Title: Re: Replacement water pump
Post by: fkjohns6083 on September 17, 2013, 08:21:21 pm
Yup  ----  It will work without the bladder tank, but that bladder tank will keep the pump from cycling all of the time and thus extend the pumps life. (the bigger tank, the better tank)  ----  Have a great day  ----  Fritz
Title: Re: Replacement water pump
Post by: Jim Frerichs on September 17, 2013, 08:56:10 pm
Hi Brenda,

OK, let us propose May 15-18 in Kearney. We have a new RV park just off the interstate to house the group. They want reservations about a month ahead to make it work smoothly.

We're in Washington DC right now and plan to out out the full info when we get home. ...approximately by November first unless that is too late for Beverly or you guys. Let us know. What else should we be thinking about?

Jim and Mimi
Title: Re: Replacement water pump
Post by: Jim Frerichs on September 17, 2013, 09:17:15 pm
And an accumulator tank is especially beneficial if you wish to use reverse osmosis in your coach. I found my water pump constantly went into thermal shutdown without one.
Title: Re: Replacement water pump
Post by: Jim McNeece on September 17, 2013, 10:08:18 pm
My Shurflo 4008 specifically warns against using it with a reverse osmosis system.  The exact wording is:

"Pump is designed for intermittent duty only: Do not use these pumps for running a Reverse Osmosis [RO] Filtration System."

I found I had to adjust the By-pass to keep it from cycling when using small flow rates such as the Everpure water filter spigot.  About one turn of the screw was sufficient.  Pump is quiet as a mouse.
Title: Re: Replacement water pump
Post by: Jimmyjnr on October 11, 2013, 10:55:06 pm
Ordered and fitted new aquajet , no great improvement in noise level ( Rv tech told me I had a bad pump !)  started tracing vibrating pipework and installing pipe insulation . Tracked down worst problems now looking under shower , vibration noise stops if I stand in shower , difficult to get at , may use dots of expanding foam or silicone ?
Thanks to everyone for input
Title: Re: Replacement water pump
Post by: wolfe10 on October 12, 2013, 08:27:49 am
The "cure" for pump noise is to reinstall the pump with flexible reinforced clear hose on pump inlet and outlet.  That isolates the pump from the plumbing.

Brett
Title: Re: Replacement water pump
Post by: Jimmyjnr on October 12, 2013, 10:39:02 am
Already have the flexable vibration loops fitted , not sure if I should tighten down the pump feet a little
Title: Re: Replacement water pump
Post by: amos.harrison on October 12, 2013, 09:26:46 pm
Pump feet should be just snug.  Tightening further will make noise transmission worse.
Title: Re: Replacement water pump
Post by: Jimmyjnr on November 26, 2013, 06:00:10 pm
After much frustration and 6 lengths of pipe insulation the noise has reduced significantly . The new pump is a slight improvement over the old one ( spare) but still seems to pulse when facet is opened . I bought the remco because it was a direct replacement but would not recommend it as a "quiet " pump .