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Topic: Need to replace water pump....do I need to drain the fresh water tank? (Read 1404 times) previous topic - next topic

Need to replace water pump....do I need to drain the fresh water tank?

Looks like a tight fit but I'm going to give it a try tomorrow. I have an 5G expansion tank hanging on the bay ceiling in front of the pump but I think I can get my hands in there without removing the tank.

I do have a direct replacement so no re-plumbing or wiring necessary.

Do I need to drain the fresh water tank? I didn't see a shut off valve but there may be one behind the pump?

Thanks all.

Jeff



1993 U300 40ft GV SE
Build # 4344

Re: Need to replace water pump....do I need to drain the fresh water tank?

Reply #1
Jeff I have had to replace mine and I did on the road, I did drain the tank and in the process I installed a shark bite valve and it solved any furture problems. U might have one like you said . I didn't..
I guess you could plug it  with a rubber plug. Good luck
Andy & Eileen
MONTROSE COLORADO
1992 U300  40' 6V92 TA
2016 4 Runner
1998 Jeep Grand cherokee

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee) Build # 4135 Skp# 122921

Re: Need to replace water pump....do I need to drain the fresh water tank?

Reply #2
Thanks Andy, easy to drain. We can do laundry tomorrow.  ;D
1993 U300 40ft GV SE
Build # 4344

Re: Need to replace water pump....do I need to drain the fresh water tank?

Reply #3
Removing our water pump necessitated draining tank and plumbing.  For the future, we added small ball valves before and after water pump.  Now water pump can be changed without draining water tank or having coach plumbing drain out into pump area.  We also add long flexible 1/2" hoses before and after pump for a quieter operation and ability to pull pump out to adjust or modify without disconnecting water lines.  Most large expansion tanks are not needed and often are the source of germs and other ugly's.  Shurflo 4008 & 4048 have internal bypass valves and are designed to operate without an expansion tank, but a small plastic expansion can be added on any water hose, if desired.

Re: Need to replace water pump....do I need to drain the fresh water tank?

Reply #4
If you tilt the coach all the way over towards the street side, you won't have to completely drain the tank.  Recommend SharkBite 1/4 turn ball valves.  Easy to install.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Need to replace water pump....do I need to drain the fresh water tank?

Reply #5
If it is a new shur-flo pump you do not need the expansion tank,talked to shur-flo when I replaced mine,works fine without tank.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Need to replace water pump....do I need to drain the fresh water tank?

Reply #6
I replaced water pump twice and did not drain the water on the second one, I used a vise-grip and worked fast. Mine is very easy to access, your situation maybe different.  My first one was under the sofa bed so I had to drain the water for that one.
Former 2003 GV U295 (6230) (2015 - 2025)
Former 94 GV U225 (2013-2016)

Re: Need to replace water pump....do I need to drain the fresh water tank?

Reply #7
There is a valve between the tank and the pump on my coach. If you have one then maybe all you need to drain are the waterlines.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Need to replace water pump....do I need to drain the fresh water tank?

Reply #8
OK, we are officially dumb a@@'es. I say 'we' as neither of us took the time to check the SeeLevel panels. The water tank was empty. 

Note to self... be sure to check the SeeLevel panel before yanking a perfectly normal pump out. All is well in sunny James Island. Tank has been refilled and no nuts or screws were loosened.


Ay, yi, yi.

 :o
1993 U300 40ft GV SE
Build # 4344

Re: Need to replace water pump....do I need to drain the fresh water tank?

Reply #9
It takes a real man to admit a "overlook". One reason I take my time before tearing into a problem is I might be missing the obvious!  ^.^d
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Need to replace water pump....do I need to drain the fresh water tank?

Reply #10
Susan constantly reminds me to start with the obvious, most simple bits.  Frequently she is right.  Very glad to have her on our team.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Need to replace water pump....do I need to drain the fresh water tank?

Reply #11
It's the same at my house Roger, hate when that happens.
1993 U300 40ft GV SE
Build # 4344

Re: Need to replace water pump....do I need to drain the fresh water tank?

Reply #12
OK, we are officially dumb a@@'es. I say 'we' as neither of us took the time to check the SeeLevel panels. The water tank was empty. 

Note to self... be sure to check the SeeLevel panel before yanking a perfectly normal pump out. All is well in sunny James Island. Tank has been refilled and no nuts or screws were loosened.


Ay, yi, yi.
Hmmmmmmmmm........oh never mind I wont say it  ::)

 :o
Hans & Marjet
1995 U300 "Ben" (#4719)
3176B Cat,4060HD,Jake
SKP#139131
Motorcade#17579
2006 Honda Element (towed)

Re: Need to replace water pump....do I need to drain the fresh water tank?

Reply #13
Jeff- we will toast to you joining the club of us "funny people" riding around in our Foretravel's.

Cheers            ^.^d
Ted & Karen
2001 U270 36' - sold after 12 years full timing

Re: Need to replace water pump....do I need to drain the fresh water tank?

Reply #14
We have a water tank shut off valve on our coach under the solenoid valve.  Line comes comes directly from the tank.
John & Carm Morales

"We travel not to go anywhere, but to just go.  We travel for travel's sake.  Our great desire is to move."