Warning: Flojet portable waste pump

[hedgehopper]

After hooking up the electrical circuitry of our new pump, we tested it by turning on the switch for a few seconds. The pump ran for maybe a fraction of a second and died.

Thinking we had a poor connection somewhere, we tested all the circuitry. Still dead. Finally we tested the fuse. It was bad.

Then we noticed the “Impeller Release Feature” on the instruction sheet: “After long periods of non-use, a stuck impeller can be easily broken loose with a screwdriver inserted in the motor-shaft slot.”

After we inserted a new fuse and turned the shaft with a screwdriver, the pump came to life.

The lesson: Before trying to run the pump, turn the shaft with a screwdriver.

[hedgehopper]

Here's ANOTHER WARNING to add to my initial warning: The way the pump fits into its carrying case, sooner or later the wires coming out of the pump will break off. I am going to cut away a little of the inside of the case where it contacts the wires so the wires don't bend every time the case is closed.

[edatlanta]

I have the portable Flojet, but have never used it. I have it just in case, but it has never been out of the case in 10 years.

[dougrainer]

wa8yxm wrote:

hedgehopper wrote:

The lesson: Before trying to run the pump, turn the shaft with a screwdriver.

Never did find that in ye olde manual,. figured it out but it took a few fuses.

PAGE 2 bottom right. Jeeeez

http://www.depcopump.com/datasheets/flojet/18555-000_IOM_Manual.PDF

[wa8yxm]

hedgehopper wrote:

The lesson: Before trying to run the pump, turn the shaft with a screwdriver.

Never did find that in ye olde manual,. figured it out but it took a few fuses.

[dougrainer]

Make sure you have the switch OFF when you use the Screwdriver. That sudden torque when it releases can hurt your wrist or fingers. A Stuck impellor means something not approved for a macerator tried to go thru the Impellor. Doug

[mbopp]

I never had my Flojet jam after storage, but it doesn't like to be run dry - it'll slow down and blow the fuse.

[schlep1967]

eHoefler wrote:
After use, i run oil through it to lubricate the impeller for storage

Never mind.

[eHoefler]

After use, i run oil through it to lubricate the impeller for storage

[agesilaus]

WE just replaced our water pump with a Flojet works great so far. It is much quieter and does not pulsate. However I think the old, other brand pump, has been slowly failing and I did not realize it.
i just had the Flojet on hand with the idea that I'd use it to pump water into the tanks when boondocking.

[Lwiddis]

Good to know.