[jimlaffo]

Hi. I've had my shirflo pump for about 9 months now and it's decided to stop working. It's still turns over, sounds as if it works, but fails to pump any water through. There are no blockages in the hose and I've dismantled the whole pump, cleaned it and still it doesn't work. Does it sound like I need a new pump? How long do they tend to last? Any advice much appreciated, cheers.

[Don Kee]

Might sound daft, but are you sure its not something simple like an airlock?

[Small but perfectley formed]

Diaphragm?

[ChumBucket]

First- is the strainer clear, have you cleaned the pump strainer as is it's blocked it wont pull water.

Second- attach a piece of pipe to the outlet of the pump & suck on it while the pump is running, it may just need priming.

[jimlaffo]

Don't think it's an air lock I've had them in the past and managed to still get it working.
Yes it's a diaphragm pump.
When you say strainer, do you mean the filter? I've cleared everything possible (I think!)
Thanks for the replies

[Matt.]

Maybe the pressure switch has gone.

These can be bought from maplin for a few pounds

[jimlaffo]

Cheers Matty. I've tried searching for a switch but can't find one. Any chance you could add a link?
Also, do you know how long pumps are expected to last? I've used mine for 9/10 months now.
Thanks

[CleanClear]

Cheers Matty. I've tried searching for a switch but can't find one. Any chance you could add a link?
Also, do you know how long pumps are expected to last? I've used mine for 9/10 months now.
Thanks

If the pump is turning over then its NOT your pressure switch. Generally these pumps last years.

[Matt.]

It like anything it can brake after a week or a year, I don't have link or nothing but if you take the top off the pump and remove the old switch ( it's the little black box with the 2 metal prongs on it ) Maplin do one with exact same size fitting on, only difference is the Maplin one comes with 3 prongs on it, I just snapped the spare one off and had a perfect fit.

I think it is £2.49

Ps. 

This was for a shurflo pump, I haven't done anything with this vyair weapon am using at the mo.

I just gave a lad 2 shurflo pumps that broke, am not up on all this electrical stuff so they were no good to me, I told him to do as above and he rang me yesterday thanking me for the pumps and do I want any money for them  , they both working for him and he's happy as a pig in ?

Be careful the spring will go .............. Boing and you need to see we're it comes from haha

Good luck

Matt

[Matt.]

Both the pumps I gave to the lad made noise like they were running but no water would pump through.

[Peter Fogwill]

Like someone already said its not the pressure switch.  Make sure its not drawing air on the inlet side. Make sure all the connections are airtight. If it has the choice of air or water it will take the air.

[Mike #1]

And if nessecary disconnect hose from tank and pour some water in to the  hose going to inlet to ensure it will be drawing water through

Other wise the pump will be bone dry and at times is unable to draw water through because of a massive airlock .

Happens to mine  once in a while when tank has been low  even the following day it can have a big airlock in .

I use a pump box turned on its side so pour water directly into inlet to fill pump with water . It's then able to pump as normal .

[Dave Willis]

You have got the valve open from your water tank haven't you?

[Shane sharples]

I had a massive airlock the other week, pump was on but very little water coming out, turned the flow up full but still didn't work, kept disconnecting/connecting hose , trying to get the air out, eventually came out after messing with it for about 30 minutes

[SeanK]

I know its a long shot but have you checked that your battery is supplying the pump with enough power.

[slap bash]

The pressure switch if faulty will switch the pump off. So it is properly the diafram. As the water will flow  past if it has a hole in it.but the motor will still run.

[Peter Fogwill]

The pressure switch if faulty will switch the pump off. So it is properly the diafram. As the water will flow  past if it has a hole in it.but the motor will still run.

I have also seen a tiny piece of debris stopping it work as well.  I have opened one up cleaned it out and put it back together, and it still not work. Then repeating the process and it working.  Make sure the little black rubber circle things are seated properly as well.

[CleanClear]

I just gave a lad 2 shurflo pumps that broke, am not up on all this electrical stuff so they were no good to me, I told him to do as above and he rang me yesterday thanking me for the pumps and do I want any money for them  , they both working for him and he's happy as a pig in ?

If you throw out anymore pumps like that with nothing wrong with them, give me a shout, i'll pick 'em  up and use them as spares 

[jimlaffo]

Cheers for all your comments. I have pretty much tried all the things you have mentioned and still no joy.
Ordered new pump with an AM delivery for tomorrow!

[Tom White]

Were your pumps low down to the van floor?  I had all kinds of problems with them being a few foot from the van floor, Mr Gardiner suggested I put them as low down as possible and *bingo*, no more problems.