Jabsco Par-Max 2.9 fresh water pump

Cableguy Greg

I dewinterized my domestic water system about a week ago. I didn't fill the water tank completely, but it had water in it. The pump was working at that time. I splashed the boat in the water and turned on the pump. I had forgotten that the tank didn't have much water in it and it ran dry. I refilled the tank and the pump wouldn't prime at all. Any thoughts or ideas to try before I go replacing the pump? Right now it isn't urgent because I have a city water connection, but I would like water when I am out and about.

LaRea

A few people have recommended using a shop vac on an open faucet to pull water into the pump and prime it.  I've never tried it, but it seems logical.  

If that doesn't work, it might be a good time to argue with yourself about spending the ridiculous premium to get a variable-speed pump (on the assumption that it might actually last more than two years).  

Cableguy Greg

I will have to try that. I might consider rebuilding the pump, but I hate to waste the cash to find out there is a different problem with it. Ugh...

DZ

Try unmounting the pump, unscrewing the screws that hold it together, look inside and ponder what exactly makes that device pump water, screw it back together and remount it. That's worked for me a couple times.

craigswardmtb

There were a couple recent threads on this that might be helpful if you decide to search.  I posted about my shurflo not priming a month ago. Turned out to be a dead pump. 

Cableguy Greg

I ordered the check valve assembly for the pump. There isn't much to it, but if it ends up being the pressure switch, I am going to replace the pump.

Cableguy Greg

I replaced the check valve assembly and the pump now works.