Ready to install new water pump

Topic: Ready to install new water pump (Read 1511 times) previous topic - next topic

Ready to install new water pump

March 31, 2011, 07:39:38 pm

I am looking forward to tomorrow because I get to install my new Aquajet pump. I have a couple of questions and I hope Steve sees this.

First, I do not find a fuse under the bed for water pump. Where else could it be located?

Second, does anyone know if the controller is a four-terminal Intellitec controller rated at 10 or 15 amps (either amperage is okay)?

I did buy the Quiet Loop hose segments from the RV Water Filter store to make installation easier and pump operation quieter.

Re: Ready to install new water pump

Reply #1 – March 31, 2011, 07:53:01 pm

Quote from: George Stoltz – March 31, 2011, 07:39:38 pm

I am looking forward to tomorrow because I get to install my new Aquajet pump. I have a couple of questions and I hope
First, I do not find a fuse under the bed for water pump. Where else could it be located?
I did buy the Quiet Loop hose segments from the RV Water Filter store to make installation easier and pump operation quieter.

George,
In the d3 bay under a WHITE cover secured with three wing nuts there are RESETTABLE circuit breakers, these have a Small tab on the side and when they Trip you can push in on the tab and if cause of trip has been resolved they will reset.
7th one from the bottom should be it.

Re: Ready to install new water pump

Reply #2 – March 31, 2011, 07:56:31 pm

Thank you, Barry.

Re: Ready to install new water pump

Reply #3 – March 31, 2011, 08:07:01 pm

Quote from: George Stoltz – March 31, 2011, 07:39:38 pm

Second, does anyone know if the controller is a four-terminal Intellitec controller rated at 10 or 15 amps (either amperage is okay)?

The only thing I can tell from our schematics is that ours is a four-terminal relay, but then our coach was delivered with an Aquajet pump. It doesn't list the current rating for the relay on our schematics and we don't have the parts list in soft copy.

You might need to check your schematics and parts list to see what rating the relay is for your pump (since yours was delivered with the accumulator). Or maybe someone who's had to replace their water pump relay in the configuration you have can tell you for sure. Or call James T. who would know for sure.

Michelle

Re: Ready to install new water pump

Reply #4 – March 31, 2011, 08:17:56 pm

Good suggestion, Steve. I will call him first thing tomorrow. I think I am good to go. The schematic (first one I've ever looked at) seems to show 4 terminals where wires would be connected. But I will check with James for sure.

Re: Ready to install new water pump

Reply #5 – March 31, 2011, 10:42:54 pm

George, I found if you whine a lot and tell Steve you have a bad back and shoulder, he is such a great guy that he will install the water pump for you. If he tries to bow out before the installation is finished, look like you are trying to finish it then whine some more and groan a bunch, he will finish it for you.

Send him a plane ticket. He's worth the price. Mine works great!!!

Re: Ready to install new water pump

Reply #6 – March 31, 2011, 10:57:43 pm

Quote from: Kent Speers – March 31, 2011, 10:42:54 pm

George, I found if you whine a lot and tell Steve you have a bad back and shoulder, he is such a great guy that he will install the water pump for you. If he tries to bow out before the installation is finished, look like you are trying to finish it then whine some more and groan a bunch, he will finish it for you.

How IS that shoulder, Kent?

Michelle

Re: Ready to install new water pump

Reply #7 – March 31, 2011, 11:11:41 pm

Boy, that candid camera can be brutal. Thanks again Steve!!!

Re: Ready to install new water pump

Reply #8 – March 31, 2011, 11:15:31 pm

Quote from: Kent Speers – March 31, 2011, 11:11:41 pm

Boy, that candid camera can be brutal. Thanks again Steve!!!

Hey, we couldn't have installed our chromed latches without your gasket tool or done our air dryer service without your strap wrench.

And then there is the spray bottle you gave us so we could check our air bags for leaks...

so I think we're even. (says she who didn't do any of the hard work)

Michelle

Re: Ready to install new water pump

Reply #9 – March 31, 2011, 11:22:31 pm

Kent;
Is your pump and Aquajet and can you turn on your pump from 3 different locations on your coach? I glean information wherever I can.

Re: Ready to install new water pump

Reply #10 – March 31, 2011, 11:35:55 pm

George, I don't know. Steve, what was it?

George, seriously I just replaced it with the a standard replacement for that model. I really didn't even pay attention. I was about $85 at MOT. My accumulator tank was still in great shape so I elected to go the cheap route. I had put a "Silent" version in my U225 but I couldn't tell much difference so I elected to go with the standard version pump this time and save $35.

I only have two switches in my coach for the pump. Installation was really straight forward. Just rewire the new pump like the old pump was wired. Turn off the switch to the pump but still make sure the hot wire does not touch a ground. Just pay attention to the wire colors when you take it apart. My recollection is that the blue wire is the hot and the white wire is the ground for the coach. The red wire is the hot and black wire is the ground for the pump. You will see how the ground is attached as you take out the old pump. I don't think you need to worry about the relay or the fuses. Even the VS pump shouldn't pull more than 10 amps.

Good luck!! I am confident you will do it well with no problems.

Re: Ready to install new water pump

Reply #11 – April 01, 2011, 09:31:42 am

Quote from: Kent Speers – March 31, 2011, 11:11:41 pm

Boy, that candid camera can be brutal. Thanks again Steve!!!

Not only is the candid camera brutal, but it shows that you failed to provide Steve with a proper working environment: no kneeling pad, so fan to provide a cool breeze and no frozen margarita to slake his thirst in the hot Texas sun.

On the serious side. I spoke to James Triana. He was perplexed why I was asking what kind of controller was used for the water pump and said all I had to be concerned with was hooking up the hot and neutral wires properly. Looks like I am good to go -- just as soon as I get a cool libation for the Florida sun.

Re: Ready to install new water pump

Reply #12 – April 01, 2011, 09:54:37 am

George, I offered the kneeling pad. Steve is so flexible I have seen him stay in that squatting position for 16 hours at a time. If you will notice, I am wearing a heavy Cabella's flannel shirt. He wasn't getting overheated and finally I offered some of my best Old Crow on the rocks and he declined.

I hated to use such brain power as Steve for the simple job of installing my pump but free labor is free labor. I was hurting really bad at that time due to the cold weather. You'll never know Steve how much I appreciated your help. Plus, it kept him out of trouble for about an hour.

Re: Ready to install new water pump

Reply #13 – April 01, 2011, 10:24:06 am

Quote from: George Stoltz – April 01, 2011, 09:31:42 am

On the serious side. I spoke to James Triana. He was perplexed why I was asking what kind of controller was used for the water pump and said all I had to be concerned with was hooking up the hot and neutral wires properly. Looks like I am good to go -- just as soon as I get a cool libation for the Florida sun.

I'm going to hazard a guess that some coaches use other than a relay to control the water pump. Plus the Aquajet folks want to make sure your wiring is rated for the 10 amps the VS pump can pull at maximum flow rate.

Not perfect, since Steve did this with his cellphone, but here's the manual for the pump we sent George. Their installation warnings made it worth the call to JT.

The selected media item is not currently available.

Michelle

Re: Ready to install new water pump

Reply #14 – April 01, 2011, 11:40:17 am

Hi Michelle,

Thanks for the additional info. I did get a manual with my pump and it was those warnings that made me create this topic. When I spoke to James he did mention another part that does what the Intellitec controller doews but being the all-thumbs mechanic that I am -- his term did not register with me.

So far I am not stumped. I did figure out that with the Water pump switch in the off position that no power is going to the pump. I have determined which wire is hot (red) and I have cut the wires on the old pump and taped the bare ends. Now I am waiting for Sandy to get back from the grocery store because all of our utility towels are in the Honda and I expect to spill a quart or two of water.

Foretravel sure likes to hide stuff in back of panels, but it is not too hard to disassemble. And what I thought was angle iron is actually aluminum. A lot less weight. Yeah, Foretravel.

Re: Ready to install new water pump

Reply #15 – April 01, 2011, 11:56:00 am

Quote from: George Stoltz – April 01, 2011, 11:40:17 am

Hi Michelle,

Thanks for the additional info. I did get a manual with my pump and it was those warnings that made me create this topic.

I figured that, but someone not familiar with the pump might wonder why you were asking the questions. This way, they know

And for future reference, now the manual is up in case anyone else is considering changing pumps.

Michelle

Re: Ready to install new water pump

Reply #16 – April 01, 2011, 01:03:51 pm

Quote

This way, they know And for future reference, now the manual is up in case anyone else is considering changing pumps.

After reading this thread, I looked up the specs on the Aquajet. If I read it correctly, their RV model pumps put out a non-adjustable 80psi. That seems kind of high. Any issues with that kind of pressure or have I not read it correctly? I keep my city water pressure at 40psi.

Re: Ready to install new water pump

Reply #17 – April 01, 2011, 01:29:43 pm

Quote from: Bob McGee – April 01, 2011, 01:03:51 pm

After reading this thread, I looked up the specs on the Aquajet. If I read it correctly, their RV model pumps put out a non-adjustable 80psi. That seems kind of high. Any issues with that kind of pressure or have I not read it correctly? I keep my city water pressure at 40psi.

Output pressure isn't adjustable, but is variable and 65 psi max (that's the shutoff pressure as well), according to the specs I found

http://www.aquatec.com/sg_userfiles/Aquajet_RV__ES_Performance_Data.pdf

Michelle

Re: Ready to install new water pump

Reply #18 – April 01, 2011, 04:27:25 pm

I think you will find the new Shurflo 4008 non-electronic water pump as satisfactory replacement. Camping World carries it.

Pump has a variable output with the use of an internal bypass valve the flows output back to input side of pump at a psi below the pressure switch setting.

Re: Ready to install new water pump

Reply #19 – April 01, 2011, 07:04:41 pm

The installation process has begun and it is NOT easy. Dismantling the bay was a chore in itself. I did not know that I would have to drain the water tank. In and of itself that was not hard, but a lot of water kept leaking from the connections I loosened up before I figured out this was more water than would have been remaining in the short segments of PEX tubing. The floor of that bay is really nice and clean now.

Next I found that I have a leaking joint in one of the PEX connections at a 90 degree elbow. So off to Lowe's for a PEX tool. Got it home and it was the wrong one so back to Lowe's and bought the last 1/2 inch PEX tool in stock.

Now it I am pretty sure I am going to have to remove some copper PEX crimp rings and do not want to buy yet another tool. PEX makes a special tool for ring removal, BUT, BUT you have to cut the actual PEX tubing so that the crimp ring fits into the jaws of the cutter. Has anyone found a way to remove a crimp ring without using this special tool?

I am wondering if very careful use of a Dremel cutting wheel would do it?

I used to work with a guy who would write this acronym across the top of any assignment that looked snarky -- NIEE.

NIEE = Nothing Is Ever Easy. Looks like I've got an NIEE project on my hands.

I'll update again tomorrow.

Note to Barry of Barry & Cindy fame: It is too late for me to buy the pump you suggested. I chose the AquaJet pump because I am getting rid of the ruptured water/air pressure tank.

Note to Michelle: thanks for digging deeper and reassuring me I will not be pushing water through the lines at 80psi.

Note to self: Stop taking on these difficult projects. Think MOT!

Re: Ready to install new water pump

Reply #20 – April 01, 2011, 08:18:49 pm

George,

My answer to those PEX connectors is Sharkbite connectors. They cost about 3 times as much as the PEX connectors but are super easy to install and remove (no crimper required). Home Depot has them and Lowes usually carries another brand that works the same way. You can read all about them at The SharkBiteÂ® Connection System | Cash Acme

I remove the PEX bands with a hacksaw or Dremmel tool when I need to but usually just cut the tubing with a small tubing cutter.

Re: Ready to install new water pump

Reply #21 – April 01, 2011, 08:26:29 pm

Monti,
I like Shark bite connectors and have used them before. but for this project I am trying to work with a factory assembly of Pex connections and tubing that if modified with Sharkbite connectors will create more problems than they solve.

I do appreciate your taking time to respond. If I do have to remove a Pex ring then your confirming that a Dremel tool will work is very helpful. Thank you.

Re: Ready to install new water pump

Reply #22 – April 01, 2011, 11:43:23 pm

Quote from: George Stoltz – April 01, 2011, 07:04:41 pm

So off to Lowe's for a PEX tool. Got it home and it was the wrong one so back to Lowe's and bought the last 1/2 inch PEX tool in stock.

That can be a bummer right there. Don't know how far you have to go to get to Lowe's but its 19 miles one way for me... Hope you did not have to go that far!

Re: Ready to install new water pump

Reply #23 – April 02, 2011, 08:45:24 pm

DONE FINISHED COMPLETED

Well -- it took me the better part of two days and some great assistance from Sandy to get the new water pump installed. Yesterday I was getting discouraged because of a leak in an existing PEX connection and what seemed like a project that was a lot harder than I had envisioned.

Along the way I got some encouragement from Steve Cook and some advice and suggestions from Gary Omel (he has the patience of a saint and the knowledge of a pro). AT the end of today when I was nearly exhausted and was having difficulty reconnecting the wires Gary actually went out to his coach and eyeballed his connections and then told me what wires to hook up. I wrote down what Gary said and then made the connections. Worked perfectly.

It took two full days and two trips to Lowe's (only 7 miles away). I have a lot of extra parts to return next week. I won't put the bay back together until at least a week goes by, but so far no leaks.

I was able to incorporate one "quiet loop" on the outflow side of the pump. We are very pleased at how silent and efficient the new AquaJet runs. We have to turn off the TV and stand in the bathroom and concentrate real hard to hear the pump. That is a huge difference from the old FloJet pump. I also retained the round screen on the intake side of the pump. This actually made the reconnection process easier after I got rid of the old plastic mounting bracket and then cut a piece of cedar to sit under the central grouping of PEX and valves.

I decided to see what the water looked like inside the old accumulator tank. It was all full of rust.

We are now sanitizing the 110 gallon fresh water tank and water lines per the Foretravel manual.

Photo 1 is the original configuration. Photo 2 is the empty bay. Photo 3 is the new pump in place and the accumulator tank gone.

Re: Ready to install new water pump

Reply #24 – April 02, 2011, 10:45:23 pm

Quote from: George Stoltz – April 02, 2011, 08:45:24 pm

DONE FINISHED COMPLETED

Well -- it took me the better part of two days and some great assistance from Sandy to get the new water pump installed. Yesterday I was getting discouraged because of a leak in an existing PEX connection and what seemed like a project that was a lot harder than I had envisioned.

And the satisfaction of completing the job is priceless! Look at all the knowledge you've gained (and how clean the floor of that bay is

)

Congrats!

Michelle

Affiliate Notice