Replacing the Water Pump

[geoffff]

On a desert camping trip this past December, the temperature got down to 12 °F and the electric switch below the water pump cracked and started leaking. (We have no furnace.) Time for a new water pump!

I also took this opportunity to replace the original noisy water pump with a quieter model.

Here's the original water pump, a Shurflow 2088-403-144 2.5 GPM unit.



This photo shows how Sportsmobile put the pump on its own mounting panel in a way that should avoid vibrating the rest of the van, but for some reason this panel itself rattled noisily.

[geoffff]

Here's the new pump, a Shurflow 2093-204-413 "Whisper King" 2.0 GPM unit.



You can see how it has rubber cushions on its attachment points.



Wow, it is much quieter! I didn't notice the water flow being significantly slower in my Sportsmobile sink -- but then again with only 10 gallons in my fresh water tank I'm usually concerned with trying to slow down the water flow!

[geoffff]

Now, the next question is: how can I prevent this new pump from freezing the next time I go winter camping?

-- Geoff

[daveb]

Maybe heat wraps? I know they pull the juice but could be handy for those extra cold days.
Dave B

[2much8ntenough]

Originally Posted by geoffff

Now, the next question is: how can I prevent this new pump from freezing the next time I go winter camping?

-- Geoff

50 watt light bulb in the compartment?

[alta825]

how was the install? Were the connections pretty much in the same locationes etc....? Any modifiations neccessary to install? How expensive was it?

thanks

-d

[geoffff]

The install was pretty easy -- a couple hours' job. The two water pumps were almost identical in dimensions, so the new pump went in without rearranging any plumbing. The new pump came with all the screws, etc., needed for the install. The hardest part was figuring out how to get to the screws for pump removal.

- Drain the water tank.

- Remove old pump: The 2 plumbing connections unscrew, and removing the pump itself required some awkward screwdriver work, with extensions on my ratcheting screwdriver. I ended up unscrewing the mounting board from the Sportsmobile floor and taking it out with the pump attached. Two wires: one wire to cut (crimp connection), and one connection to pull off.

- Install the new pump: Again, screwdriver work, screwing in plumbing connections, crimping a wire, plugging in the other. There's an inline coarse water filter (screen mesh) before the pump to catch large grit, just like the old pump had.

I bought the pump from Tom Raper RV Parts www.tomraperrvparts.com.

$83.01: Part #86-8118 Whisper Kingâ„¢ Fresh Water Pump (2.0 GPM)

-- Geoff

[alta825]

after 6+yrs my stock pump is probably getting tired, now I have one more thing to add to my ever growing project list....

being quieter sure would be nice too!

thanks for the pics and tips

-d

[zugg]

Hey Geoff,

Thanks for sharing about your water pump.
The photos and description are great!
I am looking for a nice water pump and what you have is a sweet upgrade.
I may also get the Whisper King!

Thanks,

Zugg

[PEM]

I appreciate the detailed information about replacing the Shurflow pump with a Whisper King. I look forward to the project. Cheers! 2000 Ford E250 EB50