ShurFlo pump problem

[Chazblank]

99 Safari. I replaced a 5 year old ShurFlo Extreme pump with the same make and model last year. After about 3 months, started having problems with the pump not coming on when a faucet was opened. We have to turn the pump switch off, wait about 15 seconds and then turn it back on to get the pump to activate. Also, sometimes the pump continues to run at a low rumble when no faucet was open. When the pump is running, water flow is good and the pump will adjust flow when a second faucet is opened. Any ideas??? CB

[TomW]

At face value, it sounds like you have a slow leak somewhere. While powered, your pump's circuitry may have gotten tired of constantly pumping a little bit, and may have shut down to prevent overheating the pump while trying to supply pressure for the leak.

After 15 seconds of no power, if your pump makes noise before a faucet is open, then there is no residual pressure in the line. This means the pressure leaked out, and it should not have.

Look for a slow leak somewhere.

Tom

[TG Twinkie]

Sounds to me like you may have a pressure switch or maybe a bad connection problem. If you had a leak the pressure would drop and when you turn on the switch the pump would start. But you say it doesn't come on when you open the faucet. Was it running for some time before you opened the faucet where it may have over heated? I believe these pumps are designed for continuous duty.

[Chazblank]

Thanks. I'll check for leaks, but I believe we still have line pressure when the pump fails to start. Will continue to scratch head until I figure it out. I have the old pump, so maybe I can salvage the control from that if needed. CB

[Chazblank]

Just ordered a new pump on line. Found the leak on the Shurflo. When the pump ran, there was a very small leak coming from the pump between the pump head and motor. I'm guessing a seal failed. I'll rip it apart when the new pump gets here.