Forum Discussion

Explorer

Sep 05, 2014

Water Pump Was Left On

Apparently, my wife bumped the switch and never noticed it. She was cleaning and tidying up with the A/C on and didn't hear the pump. Later, I went inside, saw the switch light on. Reached under the step and placed my hand on it. HOT! Real hot. Must have been running for a good 2 or 3 hours non-stop. I shut it off and and let it cool. Put some water in the tank turned and it on. Seems ok, except it seems to cycle a lot more often now. So, how much life was taken off of it? Should I go buy another to keep on hand just to be safe? It's almost brand new. Not much use at all.

Seems like a good reason to not completely drain the FW tank again

Truck Campers

24 Replies

ScottG
Nomad
Sep 05, 2014
There are no impellers. The pump is a hydrostatic design - think of making arm-pit noises ;).
That's why it doesn't hurt it to run dry. There's nothing rubbing inside.
sabconsulting
Explorer
Sep 05, 2014
If it runs dry could it wear the impellers so the system loses pressure back through the pump causing the pump to cycle occasionally?

Just a thought.

Steve.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Sep 05, 2014
They are designed to run dry.....doesn't need water to act as coolant. Diaphragms only move about 1/8" total.

Didn't get hot enough (motor) to trip.

Cycling more probably due to not getting all the air out of lines.......opening all faucets/showers (hot/cold sides).....toilet etc and purging lines of air.

It'll be OK
ScottG
Nomad
Sep 05, 2014
Mine ran dry for more than two days - that was 5 or 6 years ago and it still works great to this day.
They are designed to run dry. I wouldn't worry about it.