Hope anyone can help - my whale water pump will not turn after all the taps have been turned off -just keeps on buzzing away!! - only going off when turned off at the main water switch - therefore draining my battery right down - is there a way of trying to sort this without having to go to a dealer - i have been told about the microswitch but would like more info as to what to do - any help would be much appreciated.
Whale submersible water pump
- Thread starter adam_374374842
- Start date
Damian
Moderator
What caravan? What age?
It is very rare fpr microswitches to fail in the operating position, therefore I am assuming you have a pressurised system.
Look inside the van where the water inlet is and see if you have an oblong "box" with two wires going to it, and a small wheel on the top, if you have, its the pressure switch which needs adjusting.
It is very rare fpr microswitches to fail in the operating position, therefore I am assuming you have a pressurised system.
Look inside the van where the water inlet is and see if you have an oblong "box" with two wires going to it, and a small wheel on the top, if you have, its the pressure switch which needs adjusting.
Sorry - i have a 1998 swift challenger 520se - and where the water enters the van under the seating i have a pressure adjust switch with a small negative and positive terminals and inbetween these there is an adjuster to adjust something but not sure what and how to do this......Thanks alot.
Damian
Moderator
Hi Adam,
The pressure switch is adjusted by turning the wheel on top.
If I rememebr correctly turning clockwise increases the pressure required to shut off the pump, anticlockwise lessens the pressure.
So, what you need aim for is when you open the cold tap, the pump runs. When you shut the tap the pump stops.
With the hot tap, when you open he tap the pump runs, when you close the tap the pump runs on for about 3 or 4 seconds to repressurise the system.
With the power on,but taps shut, turn the wheel clockwise until the pump stops, then fine tune it.
The switch is sensitive to voltage change and may well need readjusting from time to time.
The pressure switch is adjusted by turning the wheel on top.
If I rememebr correctly turning clockwise increases the pressure required to shut off the pump, anticlockwise lessens the pressure.
So, what you need aim for is when you open the cold tap, the pump runs. When you shut the tap the pump stops.
With the hot tap, when you open he tap the pump runs, when you close the tap the pump runs on for about 3 or 4 seconds to repressurise the system.
With the power on,but taps shut, turn the wheel clockwise until the pump stops, then fine tune it.
The switch is sensitive to voltage change and may well need readjusting from time to time.
Had this the other day with a1990 swift the micro switch was stuck open on the shower tap i think you may have the same systeem tyr and hear for a click if no click it could be the tap as damian says its not norm to godown open but came across this this the other day.
Hello Forest,
I think you mean teh microswitch stuck closed, if it were open no current could flow and the pump woudl not respond to that switch.
I think you mean teh microswitch stuck closed, if it were open no current could flow and the pump woudl not respond to that switch.
Hi Adam.
There are two basic posabilities.
1/ You might have a leak somewhere on the water piping, thus a pressure loss which is picked up by the pressure switch and constantly engaging the pump.
2/ If you system is micro switch on the taps switched. One or more of the micro switches has got a broken plunger and again this would constantly engage the pump.
Access to the wiring at each tap is where you need to start first.
Disconnect the micro switch wires. These can be reconnected later with a small electrical terminal block.
Remove the micro switch from the tap. (as I don't know which taps you have, you'll have to figure the dismantling out)
Now rig up a car light bulb and battery/power supply.
By connecting the battery to the bulb, then bulb to one wire of the switch and the remaining wire back to the battery earth terminal. You can now operate the micro switch plunger to switch the light on and off.
Repeat the test for all the micro switches and you should find one that does nothing or leaves the light permanently on.
I've suggested the above assuming you don't have or know how to use a multi test meter.
Replacement switches are readily available at most caravan spares shops or you could try Maplins.
Good luck.
There are two basic posabilities.
1/ You might have a leak somewhere on the water piping, thus a pressure loss which is picked up by the pressure switch and constantly engaging the pump.
2/ If you system is micro switch on the taps switched. One or more of the micro switches has got a broken plunger and again this would constantly engage the pump.
Access to the wiring at each tap is where you need to start first.
Disconnect the micro switch wires. These can be reconnected later with a small electrical terminal block.
Remove the micro switch from the tap. (as I don't know which taps you have, you'll have to figure the dismantling out)
Now rig up a car light bulb and battery/power supply.
By connecting the battery to the bulb, then bulb to one wire of the switch and the remaining wire back to the battery earth terminal. You can now operate the micro switch plunger to switch the light on and off.
Repeat the test for all the micro switches and you should find one that does nothing or leaves the light permanently on.
I've suggested the above assuming you don't have or know how to use a multi test meter.
Replacement switches are readily available at most caravan spares shops or you could try Maplins.
Good luck.
all so check your voltage.
If low the pump may not reach the set pressure, (assuming pressure switch system).
So will continue to run.
Before adjusting, mark a reference point, so you know your start position.
Only little adjustments need to be made.
I have had both systems, and have had 3 switch failures, always failed open circuit.
If low the pump may not reach the set pressure, (assuming pressure switch system).
So will continue to run.
Before adjusting, mark a reference point, so you know your start position.
Only little adjustments need to be made.
I have had both systems, and have had 3 switch failures, always failed open circuit.
Damian
Moderator
Quote "
2/ If you system is micro switch on the taps switched. One or more of the micro switches has got a broken plunger and again this would constantly engage the pump.
Access to the wiring at each tap is where you need to start first.
Disconnect the micro switch wires. These can be reconnected later with a small electrical terminal block.
Remove the micro switch from the tap. (as I don't know which taps you have, you'll have to figure the dismantling out)
Now rig up a car light bulb and battery/power supply.
By connecting the battery to the bulb, then bulb to one wire of the switch and the remaining wire back to the battery earth terminal. You can now operate the micro switch plunger to switch the light on and off.
Repeat the test for all the micro switches and you should find one that does nothing or leaves the light permanently on.
I've suggested the above assuming you don't have or know how to use a multi test meter.
Replacement switches are readily available at most caravan spares shops or you could try Maplins.
Good luck."
As Adam has already said he has a pressure switch system, the above "information" is worthless and may be confusing.
It is quite possible that one or more taps may have microswithes fitted BUT they are NOT used in a pressure system.
2/ If you system is micro switch on the taps switched. One or more of the micro switches has got a broken plunger and again this would constantly engage the pump.
Access to the wiring at each tap is where you need to start first.
Disconnect the micro switch wires. These can be reconnected later with a small electrical terminal block.
Remove the micro switch from the tap. (as I don't know which taps you have, you'll have to figure the dismantling out)
Now rig up a car light bulb and battery/power supply.
By connecting the battery to the bulb, then bulb to one wire of the switch and the remaining wire back to the battery earth terminal. You can now operate the micro switch plunger to switch the light on and off.
Repeat the test for all the micro switches and you should find one that does nothing or leaves the light permanently on.
I've suggested the above assuming you don't have or know how to use a multi test meter.
Replacement switches are readily available at most caravan spares shops or you could try Maplins.
Good luck."
As Adam has already said he has a pressure switch system, the above "information" is worthless and may be confusing.
It is quite possible that one or more taps may have microswithes fitted BUT they are NOT used in a pressure system.
Thanks again - i will be doing the work on Saturday and i assume the best place to start is by adjusting the pressure switch and if this fails move on to the microswitches tap by tap.
Damian
Moderator
Andy, with a pressure switch system even if microswitches are fitted to the taps (which many are) they will not be connected to anything.
From what you have explained I am pretty sure that just adjusting the handwheel on the top of the pressure switch will cure your problem.
From what you have explained I am pretty sure that just adjusting the handwheel on the top of the pressure switch will cure your problem.
Damian
Moderator
LOL @ Adam.
Be thankful I am not, if I were it would have cost you quite a lot for a call out and labour................................
Be thankful I am not, if I were it would have cost you quite a lot for a call out and labour................................
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