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Old 02-01-2011, 06:30 AM   #1
dpam
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Using the "winterize" connection to winterize

I winterized the monty before putting it in storage in Nevada a few weeks ago. I connected a hose to the "winterize" connector in the utility center, but the pump would not suck up the antifreeze from the jug. Therefore, I had to pump the antifreeze by hand through the "winterize" connection and then the pump sent it through the waterlines. Has anyone else experienced this problem? Any idea why the pump would not suck up the antifreeze?

Appreciate your input. Thanks.
 
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Old 02-01-2011, 06:34 AM   #2
bncinwv
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The only thing I can think of is that since the pump is a demand pump, did you open a faucet to start the pumping out of the jug?? I have never had a problem, but it will not draw out of the jug until a faucet is open to create the demand. It takes two to do the process (at least for us it does).
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Old 02-01-2011, 07:08 AM   #3
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Yes, I sent my wife inside to open a faucet, but the pump still did not draw any anitfreeze.
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Old 02-01-2011, 07:11 AM   #4
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You did turn the valve to "Winterize"? Assuming you did, I wonder if the valve is defective.
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Old 02-01-2011, 07:23 AM   #5
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Mine did the same thing as yours. I'd like to find out why also. It got cold quick here and I didn't try to troubleshoot the problem. I probably will in the spring. To winterize, I just dumped about 4 gal of antifreeze in the fresh tank and winterized as I did my previous trailer.
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Old 02-01-2011, 07:27 AM   #6
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Yes I turned the valve/lever to "winterize". We put the trailer in storage in October and I winterized the monty at that time as well, and the pump sucked the antifreeze out of the jug at that time, but it took a while before it got going. I have to take the monty to the a in Vegas in March so I'll get them to check it out, because it might be a faulty value.

Thanks.

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Old 02-01-2011, 07:51 AM   #7
Lee F.
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I had the same problem and discovered the seal where the hose connects to the trailer was leaking a small amount of air and a good vacuume couldn't form. I put a new washer on the hose and it worked instantly.
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Old 02-01-2011, 08:00 AM   #8
Bill-N-Donna
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Could it possibly be in a vapor lock? I’ve had to make sure that the small line to the jug had plenty of fluid in it before it will pump. If it has too much of a haul for it, I don’t think it will pump.
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Old 02-01-2011, 08:05 AM   #9
Bruce Lenhardt
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Make sure the low point drain is closed. Also make sure the fresh water fill valve is set to not fill the tank. Is the hot water bypass on bypass? These are not things that should prevent pulling antifreeze from the container but would cause antifreeze to not go thru the lines.
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Old 02-01-2011, 08:11 AM   #10
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Like Lee, I had trouble getting (and keeping) a good seal at the hose connection. Sometimes if I pushed in on the hose, I could get it to start.
And sometimes I have to open one or the other low point drains to get flow started.
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Old 02-01-2011, 12:37 PM   #11
RCN.Stoker
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Sounds like an air leak on the suction side, most likely at the hose connection to the RV as noted above by Lee F. and BB_TX. The pumps do not need priming. They do need an open faucet on the discharge side however. This you say you did so the problem is on the suction side. To check the suction side just put your hand on the inlet on the RV when the pump is running and the winterize valve and a faucet are open. You should feel a distinct suction. If you don't the problem is somewhere up the suction side starting with the valve. Is the valve lever stripped? A poorly sealed fitting is the next most likely cause. This may even be at the pump itself. You can check the hose connection with a piece of plastic wrap by simply wrapping it tightly around the connection with the hose connected. The plastic wrap forms an air seal. If it pumps then you have discovered your problem. Also as mentioned above a hard washer or one that has been damaged is the most likely culprit. One way to get better hose connections is to lubricate the washer with a safe lubricant. At the risk of being indelicate one of the best is a water based "Personal" lubricant. I have a tube in my toolbox for o rings and other neoprene or rubber washers/gaskets. It gets some strange looks but it works!
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Old 02-01-2011, 01:11 PM   #12
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Thank you for all the suggestions. I'll experiment with the possibility of a poor seal at the connection. If thats not the problem I'll have a dealer trouble shoot it. If I can't find the problem this will be another one of many problems that I need fixed prior to the warranty expiring at the end of March.

I guess if Keystone had a Quality Assurance program in place we all wouldn't have to keep going back for warranty work.
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