Can't get Shurflo pump to prime

[cochise49]

Just got my rig back from the body shop. They had to empty and pull the fresh water tank to make repairs to the utility compartment and door. I filled the tank but cannot get water to flow. Pump is a 2088 and supposed to be self priming. Any ideas or advice? I know I can take it back to the shop but they already took 5 months on the body work. Hate to leave it there again as we have a trip planned.

[cochise49]

Bob/Olallawa wrote:
Are all the water control valves in the right positions and the water line from the tank to the pump hooked up.

Thanks everyone. Bob/Olallawa hit the nail on the head. One of the valve handles in the utility compartment was put back on in the wrong position. I was going to try various configurations to see if that was the problem and hit it first try. I still think I didn't get the connection I rejoined tight enough but, the pump cycled off so, I'm a "happy camper." Thanks again to all......

[Dick_B]

Try all of the above suggestions but also try opening ALL of the faucets at the same time. If you have a winterizing kit switch over to the winterizing hose and try to pour water into the end of the hose held as high as possible. (I know it is a small opening)

[mchero]

If your going to purchase a rebuilt kit don't get the 20 dollar kit, get the kit that also includes the pressure switch rebuild kit.

[SooperDaddy]

A Shureflo 2088 pump rebuild kit is right around 20 bucks...I can do it in about 15 minutes and it's good for at least another 5 years or more.

HERE Install a suction side screen to keep debris out of the pump.

[BFL13]

Make sure the twist lock strainer is indeed twist locked. It can be sort of in place but not really.

[Old-Biscuit]

If any line/fitting/valve on suction side of pump is not tight or is cracked the pump will not prime due to sucking air

[cochise49]

Bob/Olallawa wrote:
Are all the water control valves in the right positions and the water line from the tank to the pump hooked up.

Good questions...not sure. I was able to feel a disconnected line and tried to reconnect. Not sure if it is tight. They apparently pulled the cover from the utility panel and had to remove the valve handles to do so. The valves were in the right places when I filled the tank. Haven't been brave enough to pull the panel myself yet. Getting there though.

[Bob_Olallawa]

Are all the water control valves in the right positions and the water line from the tank to the pump hooked up.

[JiminDenver]

We have the same problem for the first trip each year. Try opening the kitchen faucet and sucking hard on the end for a second or two while the pump is running. That draws the water into the pump and it starts right up.

[jhlady]

Keith,

Try closing all the faucets, turn on the pump and open the faucets one at a time, hot and cold, including the outside shower if you have one. This should blead out the air in the lines and eventually water should begin to flow again. That of course assumes that your pump is still in fact pumping water.

Hope this helps.

[Campfire_Time]

I accidentally left our pump on once. I think it was running for 4 or 5 days. I couldn't get it to prime after that. I never really figured out what I exactly did to get it working again, but all I really did was turn it on for a few minutes, then off again. Rinse, lather, repeat. I think after about a half hour of fooling around with it, it started working. That was probably on the second day after I discovered the pump had been left on with no water in the tank.