Meridian SurFlo water pump

Finhawk · 04-23-2014, 11:10 AM

My pump has been losing it's prime. Usually I can open the winterization valve for a few seconds and it will prime it's self. It's a PITA tho. Has anyone else had this problem? If so, what is the solution?

dnystrom · 04-23-2014, 12:32 PM

I would check the CITY water inlet/fill valve and see if it's shut and not in the fill position.
That happened to me and drove me nuts until the lights came on. Forgot to shut it after filling the tank and leaving it open.

BFlinn181 · 04-23-2014, 01:49 PM

The pump gets primed by gravity. If it's losing prime, either it's as dnystrom says, a valve closed or a clogged filter. (if equipped) If there are no signs of leaks in lines on either side of the pump, I don't see how you could lose prime.

milasman · 04-23-2014, 02:15 PM

Bang on side of it, check valve stuck.

Muddypaws · 04-23-2014, 02:36 PM

That's how our bounder tells us it's time to change the water filter.

The filter is on the pressure side of the pump but it acts just like a priming problem or an air leak in the input line.

Figuring that out the first time was a bit of an adventure.

CJBROWN · 04-26-2014, 12:26 AM

Uhm...likely the check valve. But don't bang on it, just replace it. They're like $25 and easy to do.

If your pump cycles when all the faucets are off it's likely losing pressure - that's the check valve.

milasman · 04-26-2014, 02:53 PM

Bang may be a strong word, so just tap the side of it, cost nothing.

BFlinn181 · 04-26-2014, 03:04 PM

A faulty check valve would cause a loss of pressure and cause the pump to cycle on and off when no one's using water. I don't see how it would cause the pump to lose prime, which usually means air has gotten into the line and the impeller only has air to push. All this discussion of check valve banging or replacing, how does that figure in?

johnnyreno · 04-26-2014, 03:10 PM

So what hes saying is don't use a B.F.H.

milasman · 04-26-2014, 03:18 PM

The symptoms the OP describe are the same thing my pump does when coming off city water and going on pump, just runs trying to get a good prime. I just tap the side of the check valve and that does the trick.

DancinCampers · 04-26-2014, 04:19 PM

If your pump is located like mine, it is at the top of the water tank, gravity doesn't work unless tank is full.

I would look at the winterizing valve inards. Pry off the handle, remove the large nut, pull out the valve. Inspect the forks to see that all four are good, and the soft seal for any deformity.

If they look bad, they can be replaced without removing the valve body. Just purchase a stright line valve and switch.

Also check suction side connection of the pump head.