[John Walker]

My six year old Shurflo back has developed a fault.  On setting 1 it will run all day but when I switch to my usual setting 2 it runs for about a minute and then switches off.  It will start up again when the speed button is activated again.

All connections are now hard-wired so it's not a problem with the power plug.

Anyone else had this problem and if so - what was the cure?

[Klean07]

Could be the pcb board they dont last very long. I've had 3 in 4 years. Although I rarely run mine on setting 2 so couldn't really comment.

[adixon]

its the pc board on its way out thats how mine started and eventually packed in you can make your own very easy with all the parts from maplins cost £20.00 and a few lengths of wire mine is now 4yrs old and still going strong and it gives you a better flow than the surflow pc board
ill take some pictures of the parts later if you need to see them and can talk you through it its very simple

andy

[John Walker]

its the pc board on its way out thats how mine started and eventually packed in you can make your own very easy with all the parts from maplins cost £20.00 and a few lengths of wire mine is now 4yrs old and still going strong and it gives you a better flow than the surflow pc board
ill take some pictures of the parts later if you need to see them and can talk you through it its very simple

andy

Thanks Andy

I've got by with a heavy duty fixed resistor bypassing the circuit board for the moment but will be interested to see your fix.  I can't really complain as my Shurflo Backpack has been in regular use for a very long time and still has some life left in it.

John

[John Walker]

Could be the pcb board they dont last very long. I've had 3 in 4 years. Although I rarely run mine on setting 2 so couldn't really comment.

Thanks Klean07 - I reckon you're spot on as I've checked everything else and the pump runs perfectly with the circuit board bypassed.

John

[Tom White]

It'll be the battery; pretty much guaranteed.  If the battery is knackered, and the pump can't draw enough charge, it'll turn off.  If you then unplug the battery and plug it back in, it'll work for a few minutes, then cut out.

It'll work on setting 1 because it won't draw much power, but anything above that, it'll cut out after a short time.

You just need to try a new battery before you do anything else.

[John Walker]

It'll be the battery; pretty much guaranteed.  If the battery is knackered, and the pump can't draw enough charge, it'll turn off.  If you then unplug the battery and plug it back in, it'll work for a few minutes, then cut out.

It'll work on setting 1 because it won't draw much power, but anything above that, it'll cut out after a short time.

You just need to try a new battery before you do anything else.

Thank Tosh

You could well be right but I'm hoping not as it's a fairly new battery and I can't find the reciept - will do some voltage checks to see if that gives some clues.  The battery is fully charged according the the charger but.......

Cheers
John

[Tom White]

Could be the pcb board they dont last very long. I've had 3 in 4 years. Although I rarely run mine on setting 2 so couldn't really comment.

Thanks Klean07 - I reckon you're spot on as I've checked everything else and the pump runs perfectly with the circuit board bypassed.

John

I didn't read this post; so yes, it sounds like it's the circuit board (maybe).  Sorry for the duff info.

[adixon]

this is the flow controller i made with parts from maplins

[adixon]

this is the speed controller at £14.99
an on/off switch at £1.99
the plastic box was £3.50 i think a few bits of wire two small spade terminals to go on back of switch and a couple of holes to be made in the box takes about 30 or 40 mins to do and works the same on the back pack as would analogue varistream full control of flow rather than 3 or 4 settings if you need any help with it you can give me an email on adixon621@yahoo.com

[John Walker]

Hi Andy

Thanks for the pics and the info - I can follow it through fine thanks and have located the Maplin parts.  I had seen the voltage control board before but couldn't be sure it had a high enough power rating for the pump.  However, as you've used yours successfully for some time now I feel quite confident in using one.

Really appreciated - onwards and upwards now ......

John

[adixon]

its ok on a packpack as the controller is 3amp 5 at most couldnt use it on a van mount without doing some more modifications  glad to help john

andy

[A & J Owen Window Cleaning]

have you checked the fuse and make sure the battery is fully charged on a 2nd setting it drains the battery fast keep to 1st setting if can

[John Walker]

have you checked the fuse and make sure the battery is fully charged on a 2nd setting it drains the battery fast keep to 1st setting if can

Thanks A & J Owen

As a test I fitted a high power resistor (50w 3.6 ohm) in line to bypass the control board.  The pump is now operating at the same voltage (5v) as setting 2 on the Shurflo board.  It's running perfectly now so I might just leave it set up like that.  I work at setting 2 which forces me to work a bit faster otherwise the water runs out too quick anmd i have to refill too often.  No complaints from custies so must have it about right.     So, it does look like the board finally failed after many years of good service. Much simpler now and less to go wrong.  And......  I dont have to keep searching underneath for the tiny button - a real pain with gloves on in the winter.   If the resistor fails I will revert to the controller that Andy kindly recommended from maplins.

John