To replace the pump or not?

[MTsafari]

We have a Surflow water pump in our 1970 safari. It is one of the only things we have not yet replaced, as it did not look original to the trailer, and has worked perfectly (though very noisy) since we bought the trailer about 6 years or so ago. I don't know how old the pump is.

When camping this past weekend, we noticed a slow drip from the pump, not the connections. (see picture)

We still had pressure to run water, and the pump did not run continuously. but the more we used the water, the more it dripped. I had to keep a towel under it to avoid getting water everywhere.

Am I missing something simple that could be causing the problem, or should I just replace it altogether? If so, are there any recommendations of what I should replace it to keep the noise down a bit? Any advice would be welcome.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by MTsafari

We have a Surflow water pump in our 1970 safari. It is one of the only things we have not yet replaced, as it did not look original to the trailer, and has worked perfectly (though very noisy) since we bought the trailer about 6 years or so ago. I don't know how old the pump is.

When camping this past weekend, we noticed a slow drip from the pump, not the connections. (see picture)

We still had pressure to run water, and the pump did not run continuously. but the more we used the water, the more it dripped. I had to keep a towel under it to avoid getting water everywhere.

Am I missing something simple that could be causing the problem, or should I just replace it altogether? If so, are there any recommendations of what I should replace it to keep the noise down a bit? Any advice would be welcome.

The original water pump was made by Peters and Russel. That conpany is now Jabsco.

The original pumps were very sturdy, but expensive.

Many owners installed the cheap Shurflo pumps.

Their life expectancy, is not very long.

The best way to fix your problem, is to replace the pump with a new one.

It may only last 4 or 5 years, depending on the use.

Andy

[MTsafari]

Andy,
What kind of pump do you recommend?

[Bill M.]

I used the cheap Shur-flow. It sure did go in easy and works fine. I did not know they are a low life unit. Guess I will just put in another if it goes bad. It would be about a 5 min job to change pumps now that I have the new plumbing run to it.

[au_ee]

If you don't already have one, you might want to add an inlet filter when you change the pump out. Very small pieces of debris will shorten the life of the pump head.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by MTsafari

Andy,
What kind of pump do you recommend?

We recommend the Jabsco pumps.

They cost more, but they last a looooooong time. 20 to 30 years, is very common.

Andy

[elfirebob]

MT,
I have the same pump in my 1970 Safari, its not original. Our works great however I do have a filter in front of my intake. If not fully drained, freezing may start a hairline crack. Do check the intake and discharge gaskets at the connections, easy and cheap fix, they are 1/2" hose fittings. Good luck and nice rig!

[ricknach]

One problem with the Shur-flow pump is the seal between the impeller housing and the motor shft will wareout and allow a small amount of water to leak into the motor housing. Eventually the motor will rust up and will no longer run. If you live where it freezes in the winter you have to blow out the pump with compressed air as this will cause the motor seal to fail much quicker. Shur-flow pumps are used on boats for fresh water systems and I have seen this problem many times at the 4-5 year operation period.

[MTsafari]

Thanks for all the feedback. Looks like we will be shopping for a new pump. I'm sure winter was a factor. Though we winterize and store the trailer inside our garage during the winter, it still gets super cold in there. Perhaps a new pump will reduce the noise as well. Thanks!