Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: Water pump strainer (Read 9 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Water pump strainer
Yahoo Message Number: 149648
I can't get the water pump strainer bowl off. At least with just my hands.  Any suggestions on how to apply the extra force needed without breaking  everything?  Oh, I have a 2008 MB.
 Actually, what I'm trying to do is winterize the rig for a trip to Michigan  after Thanksgiving (I know, the wrong direction). I live in Mesa AZ and have  never winterized one before. I was planning on following the compressed air  blowout method. Although it looks like there is plenty of expansion room in the  strainer bowl, I would really rather empty it out.

Thanks Mary Lou
Re: Water pump strainer
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149652
I know you're turning the strainer the correct  way, that is counterclockwise. Be certain there is no pressure in the water line. I.e. Open a faucet then try. Hold the plumbing  pipe with one hand then turn the strainer with the other. That will prevent you from accidentally breaking the line.
Enjoy Michigan. Be sure to pack your snow shovel.  :-)

Ed
Re: Water pump strainer
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149656
I have an o7 MB.
I never have been able to take the strainer bowl apart.  I can see how it is supposed to twist off and it I got a big enough wrench it might come off.  But I worry that the bowl might break.
 So is plan B.  In the past I winterized by pumping antifreeze through the filter bowl until I see undiluted pink antifreeze come through the pump (see more detailed process below).  For my RV this required having the following:  Campco pump kit, Camco Mfg 36543 RV Pump Converter Winterizing Kit - Quantity 4 , and a Shurflow connect kit  SHURflo 9461504 3/4" Barb Straight Kit .  This kit made to replace a water pump in an RV that makes use of the Shurflow quick connect type of connectors.  The filter bowl makes use of the same fittings and will allow the Camco winterizing kit be connected to the filter strainer.

To winterize I remove the water pump out line. Blow the line with air as explained in the manual. While the pump is apart remove the "in" water line from the filter.  Hook up the cameo kit and pump antifreeze until I see it on the rag just below the pump.  Normal up the water pipes. Put antifreeze in the ptraps and bowl with a little extra so there some is in the bottom of each tank.  I get by with a GAL but most of that is in the holding tanks.  If I lived further south I might use less, but once or twice a winter (VA/DC/MD) will stay below freezing all day and do that for a stretch of several days.

If the filter bowl had any sediment in it I might be more aggressive about flushing or taking it apart but it has always been very clean.

John
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
 
Re: Water pump strainer
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149659
I had the same problem with the filter on my 2005 MB the first time I tried to remove the bowel.  My filter was above the pump.  The pipe to the filter was in a metal bracket hanging from a cabinet member.  I finally removed the pipe from the bracket which made getting to the filter easier.  I held the black plastic top of the filter firmly in one hand, using a cloth for padding.  I unscrewed the bowel of the filter with the other hand, using a "rubber grip mat" that would normally be used to open jars.  The bowel was slippery and hard to grip.  (As someone pointed out, turn the bowel in a counterclockwise direction with respect to the top.)  After the first time, removing the bowel was much easier.
 You are wise to dump the water from the filter.  If you use compressed air to blow out the pipes (per LD instructions) it will not remove the water from the filter or the input side of the pump.  If your filter is mounted above the pump, water is trapped in this area even when you drain the fresh water tank.

Doug