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Topic: Fresh water pump switch--1998 U270 (Read 875 times) previous topic - next topic

Fresh water pump switch--1998 U270

I've recently had trouble with my water pump cycling on and off when I wasn't using any water. I remember the switch below the sink as being a 2-position rocker sw. When I tried to turn it to the off position it sprung back( like a "hold down" sw.) I decided the problem must be the sw so I tried replacing it. After removing the sw the pump still cycles.

Does anybody have any ideas or have you replaced the sw?

Dick Lokar----------I'm new at the forum so I hope I'm following the correct protocol for new posts.

Re: Fresh water pump switch--1998 U270

Reply #1 –
Welcome!
You'll have to check your wiring diagram to see if the switch is controlling a latch relay (press and release...momentary on) or a simple SPST switch.  My 2002 U270 had the simple switch until I modified it to the relay so I could turn it on from each place there is water (both sinks and external bay).

In my year, FT put latching relays and multiple switches in the U320, but not the U270.

But to your point, if the pump keeps cycling, it sounds like either a water leak in the system or a defective pump that won't maintain pressure internally.  I've had both happen over the years.
The selected media item is not currently available.Brad & Christine Slaughter
Was:  1990 U280 36'
Was:  2002 U270 36' (With a bathroom door) Build #5981
Is:  2021 Leisure Travel Van Wonder 24RL
2015 Jeep JKU, 2003 S10 QC 4x4 or 2017 C-Max
Lake Havasu City, AZ (or Gillette, WY)

Re: Fresh water pump switch--1998 U270

Reply #2 –
I agree with Brad.

All the switch, relays, etc do is supply 12 VDC to the pump.  The switch on the pump determines if/when the pump operates.

You either have a water leak, bad check valve in the pump or bad pressure switch on the pump.

Brett
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Fresh water pump switch--1998 U270

Reply #3 –
Toilet leak
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Fresh water pump switch--1998 U270

Reply #4 –
Quote
was told to cycle the fill solenoid a couple times
Related to this solution is the water fill check valve. If it doesn't seal properly it will cause the pump to cycle.
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Fresh water pump switch--1998 U270

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Dave M –
To turn the pump off, press switch once, the lite goes out..  Turn on by pressing switch , the lite comes on showing the pump is active.

That is what you U320 owners get to experience.  Us lowly U270 owners don't get that as standard...LOL.
The selected media item is not currently available.Brad & Christine Slaughter
Was:  1990 U280 36'
Was:  2002 U270 36' (With a bathroom door) Build #5981
Is:  2021 Leisure Travel Van Wonder 24RL
2015 Jeep JKU, 2003 S10 QC 4x4 or 2017 C-Max
Lake Havasu City, AZ (or Gillette, WY)

Re: Fresh water pump switch--1998 U270

Reply #6 –
You may not have a manual fill valve but if ours is not all the way closed, the pump will cycle.

Anytime there are two or more switches to operate a pump, etc., a latching relay is used and the switches are momentary. Our U300 uses a VW headlight latching relay to do the work. Part number 111941583. A little over $80 new but available frequently as NOS (new old stock) for less than $20 on ebay. Plastic body Chinese clones are also less than $20 but mount with a plastic tab and the connectors face down instead of out. Other relays may have connectors in the same place but unless they are latching, they won't work (have you keep your finger on the button to run the pump).

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Fresh water pump switch--1998 U270

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Brad & Christine Slaughter –
That is what you U320 owners get to experience.  Us lowly U270 owners don't get that as standard...LOL.


I guess mine was upgraded by previous owner, that's exactly how mine works.  The relay is the same model as the one that is used on the overhead light.  When my check valve went bad I had the same symptom of pump running that tipped me off.  On mine the check valve is part of the water inlet.  Good luck!
Steven M
98 U270 WTFE 36'
Houston, TX

Re: Fresh water pump switch--1998 U270

Reply #8 –
Dumb Question.... Another owner here was diagnosing a problem and he has a 270. The question was " Did FT produce any 270's in 40 foot length, or are they all 36's ? "
I don't think I have ever seen a 40 foot 270 but that doesn't mean anything.
Gary B

Re: Fresh water pump switch--1998 U270

Reply #9 –
Our 99' U270's is controlled by a single switch near the kitchen sink that operates a latching relay. I plan to put in another in the bathroom. The original switch plates are no longer available unfortunately... Anybody have any they would be willing to part with? I would be interested in singles, doubles, triples, quadruples... Whatever!

Gary, I have seen 40' U270's listed at MOT but never in person so probably not common.
Don
Edit: fofumer Maz (Mark) has a 99' 40' U270 CAI
The selected media item is not currently available.
Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: Fresh water pump switch--1998 U270

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Peter & Beth –
Easy Peasy...
That was one of my Fall projects.  I now have a switch (and light) in the original bathroom location (must have changed from 1999 to 2002, with FT thinking the bathroom was a better location than kitchen)...as well as one at the kitchen sink and one at the outside utility bay...each with lights.  The funniest part was that on my big basement circuit board (the same one in use for ALL models, it appears as I have all sorts of circuit breakers there, including Aqua-hot, that are not connected), there was already a relay mounted there that was unused for anything.  I bought one of the aforementioned VW Headlight dimmer switch latching relays, but didn't have to use it!.
The selected media item is not currently available.Brad & Christine Slaughter
Was:  1990 U280 36'
Was:  2002 U270 36' (With a bathroom door) Build #5981
Is:  2021 Leisure Travel Van Wonder 24RL
2015 Jeep JKU, 2003 S10 QC 4x4 or 2017 C-Max
Lake Havasu City, AZ (or Gillette, WY)

Re: Fresh water pump switch--1998 U270

Reply #12 –
Our U270 also had just one momentary water pump switch in the kitchen. We ran wires from the kitchen switch to the bath, which is on the same wall as our kitchen and wires to the front door. Any momentary single pole switch will work. RV stores that sell matching switches also usually have single, double, triple gang switch plates that are similar to OEM. We also ran wires from latching relay on bay wall to water fill area to turn on/off water pump with a Radio Shack round mounting hole momentary switch. Easy to add a LED light next to switches to show when latching relay is in closed position. Identical latching relay is available on Internet as a VW relay.

Re: Fresh water pump switch--1998 U270

Reply #13 –
Quote from: smillner –
I guess mine was upgraded by previous owner, that's exactly how mine works.  The relay is the same model as the one that is used on the overhead light.  When my check valve went bad I had the same symptom of pump running that tipped me off.  On mine the check valve is part of the water inlet.  Good luck!
Latching relay and just one "Enable/Disable" switch w/Green "ON" LED at kitchen sink is standard on 1998 U270.
F W I W,
Neal
The selected media item is not currently available.
Neal (& Brenda) Pillsbury
'02 U320 SPEC, 4200, DGFE, Build #5984
'04 Gold Wing
'07 Featherlite 24'
'14 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit
MC #14494
Exeter, NH & LaBelle FL
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Re: Fresh water pump switch--1998 U270

Reply #14 –
Quote from: acousticart –
Our 99' U270's is controlled by a single switch near the kitchen sink that operates a latching relay. I plan to put in another in the bathroom. The original switch plates are no longer available unfortunately... Anybody have any they would be willing to part with? I would be interested in singles, doubles, triples, quadruples... Whatever!

Gary, I have seen 40' U270's listed at MOT but never in person so probably not common.
Don
Edit: fofumer Maz (Mark) has a 99' 40' U270 CAI

We got an additional switch plate and momentary switch from  FT Parts to add the water switch in the bathroom.
Dave and Nancy
1999/2013 U270 36' Xtreme
Motorcade # 16774
2013 Subaru Outback
KD0NIM