[DeLuce]

I ran out of water the other day with my Vyair pump going. I came home, filled tank back up, checked pump, but wouldn't build up any pressure in the hoses. It just kept pulsing. The water gets to the pump, but only piddles out the other side of the pump. I've checked the filter, its clear.
Fortunately I have a spare pump and controller all set up as a backup. But what do you fellas think? It has a pressure switch. Surely it doesn't need priming, does it? Do you think the diaphragm has a hole in it and has just coincided with me running out of water?? I'm stumped.
All suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks.

[SPE]

It definately sounds related to running low on water than just a coincidence.
Have you tried the process of elimination by priming it first anyhow ?
I have a vyair pump also. Air was getting into my system through a bad connector and so I would need to prime in the mornings first thing. I did this by turning on the pump and sucking the water out the hose outlet after the pump until it flowed freely.

[SherwoodCleaningSe]

It sounds to me like the pressure switch, try bypassing it by connecting the terminals together that go into the pressure switch.  I have got 2 vyair pumps where the pressure switches have failed after a short time.  I've contacted vyair about purchasing replacement switches but no one ever got back.  If you run a pump without a pressure switch you really ned to be using the varistream controller as this has a soft start and won't knacker the pump.

Simon.

[DeLuce]

Thanks for your replies. I'll try both of those suggestions. Much appreciated.

[richard jagger]

I have also had problems with a Vyair pump they have exchanged it last week. I would put money on the diafram as there has been problems with them. If it was the pressure the pump would no work at all or would not switch off. My pump was replaced after 6 months free. Give them a call. I get fed up have to send things back as it cost me money to solve a manufacturing problem.

[DeLuce]

OK Smithie, thanks. I'll try the above suggestions first, then I will consider your route next. Thanks.

[SherwoodCleaningSe]

The fact that it pulses makes me think that it's the pressure switch. The pressure switch has basically got more sensitive. If it was the diaphragm you'd either get nothing or the pump would pump but with little output. Let us know what happens as it helps others to diagnose problems. I think that vyair pumps are reasonable value for money but unfortunately aren't too reliable.

Simon.

[DeLuce]

OK Simon, thanks. I'll get chance in the next few days. I'll let you know and it will add to my experience. Helpful for others too. Cheers.

[DeLuce]

OK, I've tried priming and makes no difference, also tried the pressure switch idea and neither make a difference. It just pulses at regular intervals of about 30secs but pumps no water through. I even took it to bits, cleaned and rebuilt it and it made no difference. I think it's knackered.

[jonboywalton75]

Does sound shot at.
I like vyair pumps, but i must admit that the pressure switches do play up.
A spare is always handy.
£9 postage free is not too bad.

[DeLuce]

Thanks Jonny but, I made a circuit for the pressure switch wires and it still didn't work. So I think it is not the problem.

[SherwoodCleaningSe]

Sounds like its duff then. I've recently changed mine to flojets and even though the flojets are rated lower they in reality are faster although the flojets are new and the vyair are old. The pressure switches on the vyair lasted weeks where as my experience of flojet pressure switches has always been good.

Simon.

[Ian Sheppard]

Thanks Jonny but, I made a circuit for the pressure switch wires and it still didn't work. So I think it is not the problem.

A thought Nic which brand of controller do you use?
From you description I am wondering if the problem relates more to the pump running dry.
The pulsing you describe may be the controller trying to start the pump, however as there is no pressure in the system from running dry there is nothing for the pump to push.

Try disconnecting the control and connecting the pump direct to the battery to get some water through the pump. once there is water in the pump re connect and re calibrate the control.

If the pump still will not work when connected direct to the battery then I think it clearly is a pump issue.

[richard jagger]

I will not buy another Vyair pump seems like to many problems.

[DeLuce]

Thanks Ian, I will try that one over the weekend. I'll let you know how I get on.