Water Pump Help

[Rhino33]

We have a Shurflow water pump in our 1980 Center bath 31' International. We have been working on replacing the fresh water lines, but during testing we are having problems with our water pump when trying to use the fresh water tank.
Our trailer sat for 10 years due to illness of the PO, but when we turn on the pump, it does run. Seems a bit loud, but since we're not sure what it should sound like, maybe it is not. (if anyone is familiar with the Bob and Tom radio show of Mr. Obvious and the Garbage Disposal, you have an idea of the volume!)
However - it doesn't seem to be pumping much. It did pump enough to help me find a leak under the kitchen sink, but now when I am ready to retest the new lines, I am not sure if I should keep the faucets open or closed or some of both? We still have our original water heater, which I think is a 6 gallon, not sure how long that takes to fill.
I did tighten the fittings around the water pump after the last time and checked the little water filter next to it.
Advice?

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by Rhino33

but now when I am ready to retest the new lines, I am not sure if I should keep the faucets open or closed or some of both?

Open first. You've got to get all of the air out of the lines before you do anything else for testing.

The pump is a "demand" pump, meaning that a drop in water pressure activates the pump. Once you've got all of the air out, close the faucets. The pump should shut off. If it doesn't stay shut off, that means you've got a leak that's causing the water pressure to fall.

[TG Twinkie]

Assuming you have plenty of water in the tank. It sounds like your pump needs to be primed.
The pump will not prime if there is a leak in the line between the tank, strainer and tank. You may be sucking air.
I would install a new line directly from the tank to the pump. Then try to prime the pump. If it works, then cut the line and install the strainer.
Try disconnecting the discharge line. Then turn on the pump and see if you get a good flow of water. If so, reconnect the discharge line and with a faucet open turn on the pump.
If the pump is 10 years old. It may need to be rebuilt or replaced.
Let us know what happens.

[Rhino33]

Thank you both Protagonist and TG!

I will try these out and see what happens. I know I am not in the same shape I was in 10 years ago, but I'm praying this little pump holds on!!