Waterpump; Flojet R4305-505 model - assistance please.

[Steve Clayton]

This 12v pump provides the water to all water taps/shower heads on Seraph.

Since well before the freeze started the pump has delivered a reduced flow to the taps - hot and cold water delivery is the same; somewhat weak and whilst plenty of water in the tanks it can flow as if airiated. All water filters are clear.

The pump also takes longer to pressurise and for the drr-drr pump noise to stop; and stop it does and it doesn't "burp" once pressurised so apparently no loss of pressure; so no leaks and no more (than usual) bilge content

Occasionally there is what I would describe as a background motor whine noise from the pump.

All, to me, suggests a new pump or possibly servicing, replacing (maybe) bearings, diaphrams.

From my information anyone identify what the problem is? is it repairable? and best source for spares

 

[Ex-SolentBoy]

I perhaps have a perverse way of approaching these things.

A replacement pump is about £80, and as it powers so much I would like to have a spare. I would buy a new one and fit it.

If the problem goes away you have a spare that needs servicing which is much easier on a bench. Perhaps you have to throw it away. Either way you have lost nothing.

If the problem persists you still have a spare (the old one) but you have clearly identified the problem is elsewhere and can then try to isolate it.

 

[VicS]

You can order spares direct from Flojet.

If it was mine I'd take it pieces, find out what needs replacing and order the parts

http://www.flojetshop.com/flojet-ma...-pumps/r4305505a-pressure-controlled-pump.htm

I have not found any instructions or troubleshooting guide online although I have pretty good idea there is somewhere

As a matter of honour someone will provide a link very shortly.

 

[nedmin]

Same pump as mine,as suggested take it to bits and have a look.Easy to work on,it could be the diaphragm unit.Have you got an inlet filter? as that could be blocked.

 

[VicS]

Have you got an inlet filter? as that could be blocked.

Good point.
It actually sounds more like a restriction to the flow than a pump defect. A restriction on the suction side might explain the apparent aeration.

A good reason to properly diagnose the problem rather than spend £100 on a new pump only to find that the problem persists.

 

[Ex-SolentBoy]

Good point.
It actually sounds more like a restriction to the flow than a pump defect. A restriction on the suction side might explain the apparent aeration.

A good reason to properly diagnose the problem rather than spend £100 on a new pump only to find that the problem persists.

My point though is that you should really have a spare for this important component anyway. A complete replacement is £80.

Clearly not everyone would take that approach but I would much rather swap the thing out and fix the old one at my leisure. I have seen people spend ages pulling things apart, finding what they think is the problem, fixing it, putting it all back together and then finding that the original issue has not been resolved. Worth £80 to avoid that IMHO.

 

[dirtydogs]

From my experience with these pumps have you tried to back flush the inlet pipe from the pump inlet port. Dismantle the diamphram head and clean the ports. Mine get sand and calcium buildup whichi si easily cleaned out, even though I have an inlet filter. Hope this helps.

Dickie

 

[Steve Clayton]

From my experience with these pumps have you tried to back flush the inlet pipe from the pump inlet port. Dismantle the diamphram head and clean the ports. Mine get sand and calcium buildup whichi si easily cleaned out, even though I have an inlet filter. Hope this helps.

Dickie

Thanks for this info. No I've not dropped it out yet. I'll check out what the local caravan/motorhome shop has as a potential replacement; wait till after the Xmas break and drop it out and check for sediment and ingress; and either refit or get a new one.

There is an external inlet filter . Is there another, thimble style, in the pump housing?

 

[nedmin]

In my opinion you wont find a better pump than a Flojet.

 

[dirtydogs]

There is an external inlet filter . Is there another, thimble style, in the pump housing?

No, there is no internal filter.

Dickie

 

[ghostlymoron]

As this is such a vital piece of equipment, I would consider fitting an emergency footpump which would enable you to have a water supply if your electric pump or battery system packs up.

 

[VicS]

As this is such a vital piece of equipment, I would consider fitting an emergency footpump which would enable you to have a water supply if your electric pump or battery system packs up.

Or a simple hand pump.

Or even an emergency water supply ... many people don't drink the water from the tank anyway.

 

[ghostlymoron]

Or a simple hand pump.

Or even an emergency water supply ... many people don't drink the water from the tank anyway.

I had a look in my tank recently, it looked surprisingly clean. The water has an unpleasant taste tho. It's OK when boiled for tea.

 

[nedmin]

I have an external filter on the inlet to my Flojet,its amazing what you find in it at end of season.A filter is a must,

 

[EugeneR]

I've had a similar problem with my Flojet pump.

I found that the rubber diaphragm had tears next to the pads where it was pushed up and down. This might have been caused by the pump being left on after the tank was empty, not sure, but the tears caused water to leak back through the diaphragm and explains why it could not generate or maintain sufficient pressure.

Given the cost of a new one, I simply replaced it.

 

[Steve Clayton]

Update: took it apart this morning and the top end looked in good condition; no debris or apparent wear and tear.Put it back together and refitted.

Still the same problem; pump runs continuously but something else now.

Pump runs all the time as if it's not being pressurised so potential leak.
One of the feed hoses to the bilge starts to fill the bilge and on comes the pump (no need to routine test the bilge pump then!) so potential leak for me to trace - but there was no leak before I took the pump apart.

So my Q is: if the pump runs all the time; thus potentially over-pressurising the system; is there a relief valve that operates when overpressurised? There is no leak from the circular "thingy" that has something to do with pressurisation. The hot tank relief valve isn't leaking and to check that it's nothing associated with the hot tank I've turned it's water feed off.

I've either got a leak, or the pump has gone u/s, or maybe both conditions now?

 

[VicS]

I would not expect there to be a relief valve therefore if water is leaking into the bilges you have a leak and the pump will run until you seal the leak.

If you did not find anything wrong with the pump you may still have the original problem when you cure the leak but you may have dislodged a bit of debris in one of the valves without noticing it.
I take it you inspected valves and diaphragm

 

[Steve Clayton]

The end story:
Having (ahem) taken the pump apart and not finding anything amiss put it back together and refitted the pump which then wouldn't stop; with water ending up in the bilge and the bilge pump kicking in.

From the keel pipes leading into the bilge the water was coming from the arse end. Only water items at the arse end are the transom shower (OMG; I wish I was back in the Med) and the hot water tank. Put the HW on; gave it a couple of hours and put the pump on. Water coming out of the bilge hole was hot - so the "leak" appeared to be from the HW relief valve. - progress!!!!!!!! (and I admit I could hear the relief valve clicking - and there was this bit of paper on the tank saying "Turn the relief valve 360 degrees once a month". WTF; it's not been turned in 6 years!!!!)

Fitted new pump (Jabsco jobbie) this morning. Interesting!!! Slight leak from the as installed push and fit outlet - changed the rubber seal and it cured the leak.

Now a very slight leak from the inlet and looking at the water in the filter it wasn't being sucked through (reminds me of the "ORAL" thread!). So changed the rubber seal on the inlet and it now seems to be absolutely fine.

So it looks as if my initial problem was with the pump; but a lesson learnt for possible problems in the future will be to replace the inlet/outlet rubbers first.

I've now got a Flojet to take apart at my leisure, recondition, and keep as a standby.

And an added bonus; no problems now for Lizzie doing the washing-up

 

[alexsailor]

Hi!

I have the same problem with "water" on my Jeanneau SO 43 DS.

Right now I am in Corfu, Petriti and I'll continue tomorrow to Corfu town to find a new Flojet pump. Membrane broke and it started leaking.
This is my second Flojet pump in two years!
I have a filter instaled in front of the pump and I do clean it regullary.
Maybe it was just running dry because I have three tanks and I switch between them. It takes some time to pump water after air is beeing pumped...

The second problem is the valve on water heater. It leaks and leaks, costing me at least 30 litres of water/ day. Has anyone changed that valve?

I'll place a hand water pump- any ideas? And I'll have a spare electric water pump on board....

Now I'll finish my frapee and go back on board- without a shower, carrying 550 llitres of fresh water but not able to use it.