Shower Drain Pump ......

nc_109_driver · Post by **nc_109_driver** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 9:45 am

Ok, I have a lot to learn about these boats. The shower drain pump does not seem to have any suction (pulled the filter cover off and checked the out-take from there) and does not pump out the shower sump in the head. Manual for the boat does not have anything on any other valve that needs to be opened. Seems the system wants to pump into the holding tank.

Any suggestions/knowledge on testing pump/system ???

Thanks.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 10:40 am

I had to have that pump (infant mortaliy failure) replaced at the begining of our second season (actaully failed at the end of the first, but didn't notice right away). Maybe you've just got a bad one too. BTW, I beleive the drain pumps into the head sink.

[Posted by: Barry
]

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 5:13 pm

I just took my sump pump apart because it failed to work towards the end of the season. I am on pump number 3 after 2 seasons! I really think its the pump rather than any of the hose connections.

[Posted by: Maya
]

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 5:25 pm

Our shower pump only works when some one from the boat yard is on board. We've had it replaced twice, mounted lower, etc. I'm going to try and change out the filter, maybe it's losing suction.

[Posted by: ric
]

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 6:53 pm

I believe the location is Ok - I think there is something wrong with the diaphram. I have tried servicing the pump with the Jabsco Servicing Kit for this specific pump with marginal results. Honestly, I think jabsco has a problem with this pump in this application. Especially if they are not used routinely ( or abused, like sucking up motor oil - which they tell you NOT to do

I think having to replace 3 pumps in 2 seasons is a pretty high failure rate. Thats just my opinion - for what its worth.

[Posted by: Maya
]

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Oct 08, 2005 11:57 am

Same problem here. It works as long as it retains its prime. Goosing the intake with an air pump from the dinghy primes it, and it works fine for a while afterwards.

A little silicone grease around the O-ring in the filter cover seems to help. But it's still unreliable. That suggests maybe an air leak.

We're also thinking of moving it lower to help it self-prime. We suspect that its designed lift is pretty close to the height from the sump.

[Posted by: Dan Grossman
]

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Dec 03, 2005 1:46 pm

I sent my pump back to the factory rep and they rebuilt it for free and it's worked great ever since. Hull 37

[Posted by: Mike Thompson
]

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Dec 03, 2005 7:31 pm

Mike
The next time this happens with our pump I will do the same! The guys in tech support even suggested it. Thanks for the advice!

[Posted by: Maya
]

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 9:10 pm

My sump pump seems to stop working from time to time, and it seems to be debris in the pump. Flushing some water through has generally solved the problem, and the pump will work just fine. It is somewhat fickle.

[Posted by: Sam Mitchener
]

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Mar 14, 2006 8:39 pm

For what it's worth, it appears they've reengineered the shower sump installation. The pump is relocated to the aft side of the under-sink locker, screwed to the fiberglass moulding. It is quite a bit lower than ours (H/N 149). If I get around to it, I'll ask for a peek at the ECO.

[Posted by: Dan Grossman
]

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu May 25, 2006 1:19 am

There are two special blocks attached to the starboard side of the Sparcraft mast about boom height.Does anyone know what these are for?I`ve got a hunch they are for a reef line but have no idea how to use them.And neither does anyone else around here

[Posted by: Irv K
]

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu May 25, 2006 1:53 pm

Yes, they're for the two reefing lines.

[Posted by: Mike Brown
]

jerry · Post by **jerry** » Sun Jul 16, 2006 11:40 pm

Has anyone actually had the shower sump pump always work? Mine went out this spring and I've tried all the suggestion on this thread. At the local chandlery they suggested sealant at the inlet to prevent air leaks which didn't work. They sale the Jabsco pumps and according to them the height of the pump is fine (I did try it lower and it didn't work). It appears the self priming doesn't work. I got it to pump by rigging up a system so water filled the system and not air, which worked fine and pumped, but when the pump stopped the water ran out and won't pump again. Any suggestions. If I need a new a new pump is it worth while to get it fixed (I don't think it's broke), or just find a different brand? Thanks

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 10:13 pm

Jerry - depending on how old the pump is (not old I am assuming) send the pump BACK TO JABSCO where they will either repair it or replace it. I have tried to service the diaphram with the recommended service kit and with the time it takes to do it you might as pack it up and send it to the company. I have had good luck calling Jabsco and asking questions. The next time my pump fails I WILL send mine back. This is the 3rd one I am on.
I believe that the location is fine and have consulted a few "experts" on this who have water pump engineering backgrounds - so it might be just a bad pump. For what its worth....

[Posted by: Maya
]

jerry · Post by **jerry** » Wed Jul 19, 2006 3:18 am

Thanks- that was what I was afraid of. I'll call JABSCO and see what they will do, but what a hassle, we're going cruising in 2 weeks and it would nice to have the pump working by then. Are the newer J-109s using the same pump? I'm #44 so I'm one of the older ones.