Posted: May 18 2008 at 21:24 | IP Logged

I dont think the accumulator will cause that - it is used to even out the pressure - so the pump doesnt cycle as much.  you can take it out completely, and the fresh water system will work but it will cycle more often - not recommended.  But - the pressure switch that is built into the pump sounds like the culprit.  If the pressure switch is not switching when the pressure is low, or is intermittant, then the pump may not run when it should.  There is a screw to adjust pressure - but shurflo tells you not to adjust, it is adjusted at the factory.  if you remove the hose from the ouput side of the pump the pump should turn on to try to build pressure - dont flood the bilge - that will keep pumping - be ready to unplug the connector on the pump or have someone ready on the breaker for the fresh water to turn it off.  My 2 cents - your pump may be faulty but within it, the pressure switch is the more precise cause of the water not running.  One other possibility - did you blow a fuse/breaker when it turned on and ran for a moment?  In addition to the circuit breaker, there may be a separate fuse as well on the pump.  Measure the voltage on the pump wires - to make sure its got 12v.

I replaced the fresh water pump on my doral elegante with a shurflo extreme with smartsensor - they claim to give you near home water pressure.  It may be a bit overstated, but it was a big improvement in pressure.  If you need a new pump I suggest you consider this upgrade. Same water pipe connections.  I had to cut and solder in the connector from the old pump - no big deal.

Good luck,

Roger