Water system pump cycles on and off - losing pressure

[340DA]

I have a 2000 340 Sundancer
The pump for my water system, cycles on (for just a fraction of a second) and then off cycles off. This occurs approximately every 30 seconds. I must be losing pressure somewhere within the system thus causing the pump to turn on briefly to rebuild the pressure. I had this same issue all 2022 season and did not find the source of the issue.

Early in this 2023 season I thought the issue (might have) resolved itself. The pump was not cycling on/off initially this season. BUT, when I refilled the tank this holiday weekend with water and I also poured an ounce of bleach into the tank (to cleanse the water) this cycle on/off issue started to occur again. I'm wondering if the bleach killed any "gunk" that may have temporarily been blocking the site of the pressure loss? Or maybe it damaged a gasket/washer?? (I'm just guessing here).

However, I "THINK" I may have found the source of the problem. I ""think"" it may be coming from my Jabsco water pressure regulator (located in the stern locker). Very late last season I noticed the (white) cap on the regulator was off and the there was water dripping out of this regulator. And the area below the regulator, in the locker, was wet and blackened (mold??). I put the white cap back on (see picture below) in April 2023 and the cycling "seemed" to stop.
However, I noticed today that the cycling has restarted (after this weekends water tank refill and bleach add) and I also noticed some drips today coming from the regulator.....See Picture

1. Has anyone had this cycling on/off issue?
2. Was the Water Pressure Regulator the source?
3. Is the Jabsco part still available for purchase? (I have the SeaRay part number)
4. Is the regulator difficult to replace (any how-to instructions)?

I'd appreciate any help/guidance/advice....... Thanks

 

[techmitch]

I have a 2000 340 Sundancer
The pump for my water system, cycles on (for just a fraction of a second) and then off cycles off. This occurs approximately every 30 seconds. I must be losing pressure somewhere within the system thus causing the pump to turn on briefly to rebuild the pressure. I had this same issue all 2022 season and did not find the source of the issue.

Early in this 2023 season I thought the issue (might have) resolved itself. The pump was not cycling on/off initially this season. BUT, when I refilled the tank this holiday weekend with water and I also poured an ounce of bleach into the tank (to cleanse the water) this cycle on/off issue started to occur again. I'm wondering if the bleach killed any "gunk" that may have temporarily been blocking the site of the pressure loss? Or maybe it damaged a gasket/washer?? (I'm just guessing here).

However, I "THINK" I may have found the source of the problem. I ""think"" it may be coming from my Jabsco water pressure regulator (located in the stern locker). Very late last season I noticed the (white) cap on the regulator was off and the there was water dripping out of this regulator. And the area below the regulator, in the locker, was wet and blackened (mold??). I put the white cap back on (see picture below) in April 2023 and the cycling "seemed" to stop.
However, I noticed today that the cycling has restarted (after this weekends water tank refill and bleach add) and I also noticed some drips today coming from the regulator.....See Picture

1. Has anyone had this cycling on/off issue?
2. Was the Water Pressure Regulator the source?
3. Is the Jabsco part still available for purchase? (I have the SeaRay part number)
4. Is the regulator difficult to replace (any how-to instructions)?

I'd appreciate any help/guidance/advice....... ThanksView attachment 145323

Yep, that's the likely culprit. They have a high failure rate with most marine water source's.

 

[techmitch]

I have a 2000 340 Sundancer
The pump for my water system, cycles on (for just a fraction of a second) and then off cycles off. This occurs approximately every 30 seconds. I must be losing pressure somewhere within the system thus causing the pump to turn on briefly to rebuild the pressure. I had this same issue all 2022 season and did not find the source of the issue.

Early in this 2023 season I thought the issue (might have) resolved itself. The pump was not cycling on/off initially this season. BUT, when I refilled the tank this holiday weekend with water and I also poured an ounce of bleach into the tank (to cleanse the water) this cycle on/off issue started to occur again. I'm wondering if the bleach killed any "gunk" that may have temporarily been blocking the site of the pressure loss? Or maybe it damaged a gasket/washer?? (I'm just guessing here).

However, I "THINK" I may have found the source of the problem. I ""think"" it may be coming from my Jabsco water pressure regulator (located in the stern locker). Very late last season I noticed the (white) cap on the regulator was off and the there was water dripping out of this regulator. And the area below the regulator, in the locker, was wet and blackened (mold??). I put the white cap back on (see picture below) in April 2023 and the cycling "seemed" to stop.
However, I noticed today that the cycling has restarted (after this weekends water tank refill and bleach add) and I also noticed some drips today coming from the regulator.....See Picture

1. Has anyone had this cycling on/off issue?
2. Was the Water Pressure Regulator the source?
3. Is the Jabsco part still available for purchase? (I have the SeaRay part number)
4. Is the regulator difficult to replace (any how-to instructions)?

I'd appreciate any help/guidance/advice....... ThanksView attachment 145323

Here's 1 source. There are tons of them out there. Chrome, maybe even stainless.
https://www.westmarine.com/shurflo-pressure-regulator-wall-mount-city-water-entries-13812870.html

 

[340DA]

Here's 1 source. There are tons of them out there. Chrome, maybe even stainless.
https://www.westmarine.com/shurflo-pressure-regulator-wall-mount-city-water-entries-13812870.html

Mitch, I want to get the right part. The SeaRay part number is 141168. However, that may not be the Jabsco or Shurflo part #.
1. Are they all similar/same part?
2. How difficult are they to replace?

 

[bobeast]

I had that issue a few years ago. I replaced the regulator and stopped using city water altogether. Consider this. If you have a hose connected and the regulator springs a leak, you could flood your bilge, especially if you leave it connected when you aren't on the boat (which is of course the only time it would happen).

Now I just keep the fresh water tank full.

 

[340DA]

I had that issue a few years ago. I replaced the regulator and stopped using city water altogether. Consider this. If you have a hose connected and the regulator springs a leak, you could flood your bilge, especially if you leave it connected when you aren't on the boat (which is of course the only time it would happen).

Now I just keep the fresh water tank full.

I never use city water. I ONLY use the water from my tank. I suppose that's why the regulator lasted so long?
Anyway, (1) where do I get the part and (2) how easy or difficult is it to replace it?

 

[KevinC]

I never use city water. I ONLY use the water from my tank. I suppose that's why the regulator lasted so long?
Anyway, (1) where do I get the part and (2) how easy or difficult is it to replace it?

When my regulator failed it actually made a humming noise.

From my experience I would not go with the Jabasco/Xylem if replacing. When I replaced mine the new Jabasco lasted less than a few months. The new female connector was just press fit into the housing and quickly blew out. The Shurflo was much better built... but was slightly larger than the Jabasco. So, I got a hole saw in the new size and cut a template from plywood that I screwed in by the old hole. This allowed me to start the new hole with the spinning hole saw.

-Kevin

 

[KevinC]

Do you have any leaks ir unexplained water? A leak could also allow the pump to cycle on.

-Kevin

 

[Chris-380]

I had a leak with kit pressure regulator. I rarely use city water. So I booked city water up and let it pump water through the system, the disconnected it. The leak stopped and my pump quit cycling…. It’s worth a try, worked for me. I think something got atolucknin there and running the water the opposite way though there cleared it out…

I have a 2000 340 Sundancer
The pump for my water system, cycles on (for just a fraction of a second) and then off cycles off. This occurs approximately every 30 seconds. I must be losing pressure somewhere within the system thus causing the pump to turn on briefly to rebuild the pressure. I had this same issue all 2022 season and did not find the source of the issue.

Early in this 2023 season I thought the issue (might have) resolved itself. The pump was not cycling on/off initially this season. BUT, when I refilled the tank this holiday weekend with water and I also poured an ounce of bleach into the tank (to cleanse the water) this cycle on/off issue started to occur again. I'm wondering if the bleach killed any "gunk" that may have temporarily been blocking the site of the pressure loss? Or maybe it damaged a gasket/washer?? (I'm just guessing here).

However, I "THINK" I may have found the source of the problem. I ""think"" it may be coming from my Jabsco water pressure regulator (located in the stern locker). Very late last season I noticed the (white) cap on the regulator was off and the there was water dripping out of this regulator. And the area below the regulator, in the locker, was wet and blackened (mold??). I put the white cap back on (see picture below) in April 2023 and the cycling "seemed" to stop.
However, I noticed today that the cycling has restarted (after this weekends water tank refill and bleach add) and I also noticed some drips today coming from the regulator.....See Picture

1. Has anyone had this cycling on/off issue?
2. Was the Water Pressure Regulator the source?
3. Is the Jabsco part still available for purchase? (I have the SeaRay part number)
4. Is the regulator difficult to replace (any how-to instructions)?

I'd appreciate any help/guidance/advice....... ThanksView attachment 145323

 

[bobeast]

I never use city water. I ONLY use the water from my tank. I suppose that's why the regulator lasted so long?
Anyway, (1) where do I get the part and (2) how easy or difficult is it to replace it?

@KevinC nailed it as far as ShurFlo vs. Jabasco. As to difficulty, my was a PIA. It's in the transom locker, at least on the 310. The panel onto which it was mounted, was wedged in so tight and at such an awkward angle, that it was a real knuckle busting experience. Once I got the panel out, it was pretty straight forward.

Not sure how yours is set up, so your nautage may vary.

 

[340DA]

Do you have any leaks ir unexplained water? A leak could also allow the pump to cycle on.

-Kevin

Kevin, Thanks..... you asked if I have any leaks. I don't visually see any leaks, at least from as much piping/tubing as I can see with my eyes. Of course, it's always possible that a pipe may be cracked or leaking in a spot that is not visible with the eye.
But I do see "some" water around this water pressure regulator. So, I thought I'd replace that........

I'm hearing that the Shurhold part is better than the Jabsco. And metal may be preferable to plastic??? Any idea of the part# I should look for??

 

[340DA]

@KevinC nailed it as far as ShurFlo vs. Jabasco. As to difficulty, my was a PIA. It's in the transom locker, at least on the 310. The panel onto which it was mounted, was wedged in so tight and at such an awkward angle, that it was a real knuckle busting experience. Once I got the panel out, it was pretty straight forward.

Not sure how yours is set up, so your nautage may vary.

4 screws seem hold it in place. Then, how does the part screw itself connect into the water system?
Does it have a screw connector and screw into some "tube" behind it? Or does the part utilize some other type of "connection" that enables it to connect it to the water system???

 

[340DA]

Do you have any leaks ir unexplained water? A leak could also allow the pump to cycle on.

-Kevin

Also, the ShurFlo seems to be 65psi while the Jabsco is 45psi. Is that appropriate the plumbing/piping/fittings system?

 

[Stee6043]

This is likely what the backside of your panel will look like, +/-. On a 2000 340 I would assume your fittings will be 15mm. You can buy them from freshwatersystems.com. They are a great source...

 

[KevinC]

Also, the ShurFlo seems to be 65psi while the Jabsco is 45psi. Is that appropriate the plumbing/piping/fittings system?

I have not had a problem. This only limits potential high pressure from the city water side. Most of the time the water supply will be less than that anyway. At least it should.

-Kevin

 

[KevinC]

4 screws seem hold it in place. Then, how does the part screw itself connect into the water system?
Does it have a screw connector and screw into some "tube" behind it? Or does the part utilize some other type of "connection" that enables it to connect it to the water system???

It should just be an npt male thread fitting.

-Kevin

 

[FootballFan]

Some comments/observations related to fresh water systems.

I have gone through the cycle on and off issue before.

Most immediate check point, something is leaking somewhere. The last time was a couple of years ago, a washdown faucet in one of the bow compartments had gotten bumped putting lines in and out of the locker. It was the culprit, a slight dribble.

Fresh water pumps seem to have limited life. Mine crashed on our last trip. I bought a new one a month ago, I think it was approximately 250. I bought another Jabsco 40PSI. I am not in love with Jabsco but I am lazy, I knew it would fit the mounting holes and hose placement easily. Note, I could have gotten either a 40 or a 60 PSI.

We use both dockside water and run off the tank - depending on where we are. In the slip where we keep the boat, we have monster pressure on the dock connections. The boat should have pressure reduction, but not sure about it - whether it is functioning correctly or not. Bought a gauge off amazon - sure enough the faucet on the dock is putting out 80+. Great for washing boats, not so good on boat water systems. In the RV section on Amazon I acquired a pressure reduction device that I can dial the pressure down (approx $30). I carry that with me on the boat. If I want to connect to shore water I can check the pressure and use the reduction valve if I need to.

Finally, as someone above mentioned. I never leave any water pressure on when I leave the boat. Shore water is disconnected. Freshwater pump breaker is turned off. Hot water heater is turned off (don't forget this, will ruin the element if it runs dry).

 

[Stee6043]

Given the choice, more pressure is more better

The swap to a 60psi regulator is a nice, cheap upgrade from the 40-45psi OEM unit.

 

[FootballFan]

Given the choice, more pressure is more better

The swap to a 60psi regulator is a nice, cheap upgrade from the 40-45psi OEM unit.

The age of your boat might be a consideration. On a new boat, I agree. On a boat that has a few years on it, increasing pressure may create leaks in fittings that are ok at a lower pressure.

 

[340DA]

Some comments/observations related to fresh water systems.

I have gone through the cycle on and off issue before.

Most immediate check point, something is leaking somewhere. The last time was a couple of years ago, a washdown faucet in one of the bow compartments had gotten bumped putting lines in and out of the locker. It was the culprit, a slight dribble.

Fresh water pumps seem to have limited life. Mine crashed on our last trip. I bought a new one a month ago, I think it was approximately 250. I bought another Jabsco 40PSI. I am not in love with Jabsco but I am lazy, I knew it would fit the mounting holes and hose placement easily. Note, I could have gotten either a 40 or a 60 PSI.

We use both dockside water and run off the tank - depending on where we are. In the slip where we keep the boat, we have monster pressure on the dock connections. The boat should have pressure reduction, but not sure about it - whether it is functioning correctly or not. Bought a gauge off amazon - sure enough the faucet on the dock is putting out 80+. Great for washing boats, not so good on boat water systems. In the RV section on Amazon I acquired a pressure reduction device that I can dial the pressure down (approx $30). I carry that with me on the boat. If I want to connect to shore water I can check the pressure and use the reduction valve if I need to.

Finally, as someone above mentioned. I never leave any water pressure on when I leave the boat. Shore water is disconnected. Freshwater pump breaker is turned off. Hot water heater is turned off (don't forget this, will ruin the element if it runs dry).