Replacing suction hose on 76' 31 Rear Bath

[DaAairstream]

I'm battling with the water pump system on our (new to us) AS.
The PAR pump was barely putting out water. I bought a rebuild kit, and the PAR pump is still barely putting out anything. Also, it often will not shut off. I suspect the vacuum hose to be puling air. I put a piece of clear tubing inline and I"m getting constant air bubble. Also, not enough suction to fill the strainer jar.

I could have screwed up the rebuild, but I've done quite a few of these on boats and on my GMC motor home. The pressure house was so dry that it was spraying a fine mist, even with low pump pressure.

So, here's the question. With the kitchen counter out, I attempted to see where the hose connects to the water tank. I can not view it, or get a hand on it from the hole under the sink. I see no way to access it from underneath.

Bottom line, can anyone tell me what the replacement procedure is?

As always, help is appreciated.
Thanks
Andy

[AL’ UM- MONEY]

When I replaced all the plumbing on my 31 foot 76 I encountered the same situation. The hose goes through the floor to the tank. It seems to me you would have to rip out way to much to replace it. I cut mine off as close as possible and spliced it. It worked. It seems to me that you can't get any air in that line with out loosing some of the prime. Good luck but my guess is the pump is OK but the inlet line needs attention.

[perryg114]

I am assuming yours in not a center bath model? I have a center bath model and everything is pretty easy to get to.

Perry

[ticki2]

Under the belly pan about in the middle of the water tank there should be a 8"x8" steel plate with a bolt in the center . Remove the bolt and plate and that is where the other end of the suction line connects to the water tank . You can use the old hose to fish in the new one . When I did mine I also installed a drain valve in that location , my tank had none . I'm not 100% sure on the 31 footer but I believe they are the same . Good luck

[DaAairstream]

Thanks. It makes sense it would be located there, because I surely can't find it anywhere else.

Were you able to snake the new line all the way to the pump without removing the whole kitchen counter?

Much appreciated!!!

[Sneakinup]

Not too long ago I dropped out the water tank in my 77, 31' Sovereign. I'm not sure if they are the same tank, as AS changed things so frequently. However, on my trailer there are only two places to access the tank with out taking it completely out. One is the little square in the floor where the fill line, heater hose, air vent, and water line go in. The other is as described in a previous post about the square panel on the bottom of the tank. If you pull that plate off (be prepared for a fight and a lot of PB Blaster), you can access where the water line attaches. Be forewarned that removing the existing water line could take either 5 minutes... or 5 hours. Ask me how I know? I have all the tanks out of my trailer, and working on them on a bench in my shop is tough enough. Working on them laying on your back under the trailer is nearly impossible... but it can be done.

I have a few pictures of the tank lines and one of the tank on my web page. Hopefully it will give you some insight to what you are dealing with. The water line snakes under the tank and is duct taped in many places from the factory. It's not looking like it can be slipped through.

77 Sovereign

If it were me... I would pick up a new water pump and try that before attempting any further removal or changing of the lines on the tank. The original pump just may not be pulling enough.

BTW.... I'm just across the bridge from you in Tampa. Welcome to our nightmare! I mean our passion. Yeah, that is what I meant! Passion!

[ticki2]

Originally Posted by NewbieAndy

Thanks. It makes sense it would be located there, because I surely can't find it anywhere else.

Were you able to snake the new line all the way to the pump without removing the whole kitchen counter?

Much appreciated!!!

Yes , I was able to snake the new line in without removing any kitchen counter or cabinets . Tape a rope to the old one before you pull it out so you will have something to pull the new one in with . Or you can use a barb fitting between the new and old , taped together . Don't use clamps , they will catch on everything . Good luck