I Goofed

[RailroadMike]

Hi All....I hit the water pump switch on the way up the stairs...I do not know how long the pump sucked on an empty tank. Now I do not have a water pump.Did I burn it out or is there a fuse that would have burned first? If this is the case does anyone know what fuse it might have been? I have a 2006 3500rl. Thanks for any help you can provide....Mike

[HamRad]

We've had the same thing happen. Luckily the pump kept working. As I understand it the pumps are designed to run on empty. I have no idea how long. We eventually replaced the OEM pump with a quieter model. It, too, has run on empty with no ill effects.

I do not know if there is a fuse somewhere in the line or not. Good luck and let us know what you find out.

Travel safely,
HamRad

[Tom S.]

There should be a thermal breaker that will reset itself when the pump cools down.

[Rondo]

If the pump ran constant there must have been a faucet open or something since the pump will only run when there is a demand-- at least that's how mine works! Did you have a faucet on or something to make it run so long?

[H. John Kohl]

Rondo,
You are correct, but the demand is determined by a pressure switch on the discharge side of the pump. Since this system was winterized and no pressure on the lines (60 lbs) the pump tried to build pressure to the desired level. Since the holding take was empty it could not build pressure and just ran.

[SlickWillie]

I would think it would be fused in the power distribution panel, on the 12 volt side. Our panel has 15 amp ATC fuses. The pump will probably draw less than 10 amps.

Can you physically see the pump? I would be surprised if motor went out. Not sure how it is coupled to the pump, but if the pump locked up, it may have sheared the coupling, and the motor by itself may be really quiet.

[Rondo]

I stand corrected! Thanks John, I never thought about the tank being empty and the pump trying to build up the pressure from an empty tank! It would be just sucking air and not be able to build up the pressure high enough to shut off! As Hamrod stated in his post-- I don't know if there is a separate fuse for the pump or not or if the 12 volt breaker would handle that. Mike have you checked the breaker panel to see if one of the breakers is popped?

[tim43]

I left the pump on in one of my previous 5ers for over a week with no ill effects. Except a slight bump in the power bill.

[Slufoot733]

Mike, I suspect the pump head failed after running without water for a prolonged period. Just guessing though. I had to replace a pump several years ago. If it's a Sur-Flo pump there is usually a diaphram kit available for rebuilding the pump head. Problem is that the rebuild kit is just a little less in cost than the whole pump. If you have to replace it go with the whole pump assembly. It's quicker, easier and warrantied.

Good luck,

Kevin

[kountry traveler]

Hi Mike,
I have used Flo Jet pumps that are very much like the Shur Flo used in the Montana for over 17 years in the carpet cleaning business and have some that are at least 10 years old. Running it dry should not have hurt the pump and if the motor still turns and your diaphram needs to be replaced the cost of the diaphram should not be more then $20.
I would google Shur-flo and find a company that handles their parts. Grainger out Chicago would be one place, but may not allow you to order from them unless you can prove you are a business.
I am thinking of replacing my shru flo with a flo jet pump because I think they are not as noisy and more dependable. That is just my thought and am sure that others think just the oposite.


Good luck and hope you correct your problem shortly.
The Kountry Traveler

[Bill and Lisa]

RailroadMike,
Any update on your pump? start working again? blow a fuse? have to replace the whole thing?