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Old 14-09-2013, 18:55   #1
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PAR diaphragm pump funny business

I have an older PAR diaphragm pump which has been awesome and practically indestructible. In fact I have serviced it from death a few times on this trip across the Pacific. Always has been working great.

Now, for some reason, the flow is limited and when the faucets are off, it still runs. You can hear the pressure build and the pump work harder against it, but it never actually shuts off.

Have completely re-built it. Again. No crap in the valves, no leaks from the pump body. Water flows through all faucets (but with less than formal capacity). New diaphragm not long ago.

Any suggestions? Please?!

In remote part of Fiji with very limited (read none) access to spare parts or new pumps so please don't just post a link to a new Jabsco pump for sale on eBay or something
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Old 14-09-2013, 19:12   #2
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Re: PAR diaphragm pump funny business

If you're sure the valves are ok, I'd check that the intake hose is not partially blocked and restricting the flow. Start with the pick up tube in the tank.

Jabsco will eventually discontinue these pumps as the tooling to make the bodies is wearing out. They don't sell well enough to make it worth while to buy new tooling. I've always liked them as they are easy to repair and pretty reliable.
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Old 15-09-2013, 07:41   #3
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Re: PAR diaphragm pump funny business

G'Day AS,

One possible explanation is an air leak on the inlet side... that could explain the failure to reach shutoff pressure whilst still pumping some water. Don't think it would be a blockage in the inlet, fot then the pump would eventually reach shutoff with the faucets closed off.

Where are you in Fiji? It has been a few years since we cruised there... seems strange to hear that you are in a remote area but still have internet access! Things sure have changed there. I would love to come back and re-visit the village on Kandavu where we spent so many months.

Good luck with the pump.

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Old 15-09-2013, 12:06   #4
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Re: PAR diaphragm pump funny business

Yes, I was last here six years ago and the place has changed A LOT since then (in regards to communications).

Mobile phones everywhere and towers reach even the remote areas. Even broadband in much of the Lau group!
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Old 15-09-2013, 12:14   #5
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Re: PAR diaphragm pump funny business

wouldnt that be the pressure switch failing?
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Old 15-09-2013, 12:24   #6
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Re: PAR diaphragm pump funny business

Could be the seal on the damper or a pinhole on the diaphragm. Try blowing into the outlet and sucking on the inlet to make sure its not leaking back. I'd take it apart one more time, check the diaphragm, and reassemble it with tons of gorilla snot.
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Old 15-09-2013, 12:36   #7
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Re: PAR diaphragm pump funny business

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cheechako View Post
wouldnt that be the pressure switch failing?
Cheech, I don't think that a bad pressure switch would cause the diminished flow. When I've had dead switches the flow was VERY good when you first opened the faucet due to the overpressure!

Cheers,

Jim
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Old 15-09-2013, 18:26   #8
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Re: PAR diaphragm pump funny business

Jim, the air leak theory does make more sense than a blockage. I like it.
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