Water Pump Replacement Question

[Norm Green]

I have to replace the factory fresh water pump on our 08 PT.  In reviewing other posts regarding this topic it appears that many have done this replacement with a Remco 55Aquajet ARV pump.  I was getting ready to order this pump from RVUpgrade but noticed in the description that this pump should not be used with an accumulation tank which I believe I have.  Has anyone had trouble with this installation?  Is there a different model I should be looking at?

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Norm,
Forgive my ignorance, but what is an accumulation tank and how does it differ from the fresh water and waste tanks?
I have the 55Aquajet ARV pump. The only problem I've had with it is failure of the internal check valve, which resulted in water leaking into the Fresh tank when I was on park water and the pump "burping" every few seconds when on the Fresh tank. The valve is in the head and not replaceable but Remco offers a valve that snaps into the pump output and functions as the new check valve.

One word of caution; if you purchase the pump from Amazon, Remco will not honor the 2 year warrantee as they do not do business directly with Amazon. Thus Amazon is getting the pump from distributors but if you ask them, they maintain it comes from Remco. Net is that you are "screwed" in regards to a pump replacement (unless you return it w/in Amazon's 30 day window).
Steve

[Mike Shumack]

The accumulation tank is just a small (plastic) tank with a bladder in it hat has air pressure on one side and water pressure on the other, to compensate for the water pressure change as the pump turns and off. Most homes with Well water have such a tank to reduce pump cycling.

Such as this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000N9VF6Q/?coliid=I32TJ0C6EQD8D3&colid=34RG5S9GGW64I&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

BTW - this is the water pump in my coach https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C1M6B1C/?coliid=I2VCGVVZS6JU64&colid=34RG5S9GGW64I&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
It would seem to me to it would be easiest to just replace with the same make/model pump so all the mounts, hoses, wires fit without having to make modifications.

[Frank Bergamo]

Norm, the pump you are looking at has a 5.3 GPM rating at 75-80 PSI pressure. They are designed for multiple faucet outlets open at the same time. The higher pressure might be the reason why they don't recommend using with the water accumulator. At that pressure, they probably blow out the bladder inside of the accumulator. I have seen people use metal ones that are designed for home use in there coach. If you want to use the bigger pump, I would suggest the home style expansion tank designed for higher pressures.  https://www.homedepot.com/p/Watts-2-1-gal-Pre-Pressurized-Steel-Water-Expansion-Tank-DET-5-M1-HD/205556413  The spec's for the tank Mike mentioned above are 125 PSI max. preshttp://www.depcopump.com/datasheets/shurflo/182-200%20Installation%20manual.pdfsure.  Hope this helps.

[Gerald Farris]

Norm,
Are you sure that you have an accumulator tank? I do not think that your coach originally came with a tank unless it has been added.

I use the pump that you are thinking about, and I highly recommend it. It will give your coach as close to a residential water flow as you can get.


Gerald

[Norm Green]

I have spent some additional time trying to determine some of the plumbing elements of my coach.  The present water pump is an RV Aquajet II, model 55-AQUAJET-ORV, 5.3 gpm, 10 amps, pressure control off at 75-85 psi and bypass at 125 psi.  I do have an accumulation tank, I can’t read the brand but believe it to be a Amtrol.  The model isXW-101, max psi of 100, 2 gal made of blue enameled steel.  I always assumed it was standard.  It is installed directly above the water pump.  I also noticed that the small metal filter that is located just before the pump intake is broken and will need to be replaced.  Any idea of manufacture / model number or where I can get one?

[Frank Bergamo]

Norm, you do have a home style accumulator tank. Check to see if it is full of water. Tap on tank with hand, if you get hollow sound, it is good. If it sounds solid, it is full of water, and needs to be changed. As far as the filter you talk about, if it is on suction side of pump, it is a water strainer to prevent debris from entering pump. If on pressure side, it is a water filter with replaceable cartridges in it. I have seen this setup on Monaco Signature  Motorhomes. By doing a little research on these items, you should be able to figure out what you need, and what needs to be addressed. Hope this helps.

[Keith Moffett]

Norm
We have the same water pump you mention I believe.  Also the Accumulation tank just as you describe but a different brand.
If you look at your tank, the end has a screw on cap with a schrader valve like a tire.  If you check this valve and water comes out then the bladder is shot.  We just replaced ours for annout $160.  Took maybe 15 minutes.

Steve
The check valve is in the water pump?  How might I tell if the water getting into the fresh tank while on city water is coming from the check valve and not a defective Red Hat?  I do hear the Red Hat going on and off with the switch but I was g uessing it might not be shutting off completely. 

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Keith,
Good question. I initially thought it might be the red hat until I realized my Contessa doesn't have a red hat. I'd probably jumper around the red hat to determine cause.
Steve

[Frank Bergamo]

Norm, if your tank needs replacing, the link in my post above is a replacement tank for $40.00. It was an exact match of the one I replaced in a Monaco Signature. I believe the same company makes the tank for all of the different brands available.

[Keith Moffett]

Norm


There are other brands than OEM for sure.  I looked at the original available on Amazon and at the others too but I couldnt help but think there was a quality difference.  I dont know but the original worked for 11 years so I opted to spend the extra money.
Ours was the Jabsco #18810-0000. 
If you have your original box of manuals, you might look toward the back under "fresh water" and find the single page sheet on the accumulator tank from the factory.

[Norm Green]

Thanks for the replies.  My original question was regarding the replacement of the original freshwater pump with a new Remco.  The issue is that Remco’s product description states that it should not be installed in conjunction with an accumulation tank.  I do have an accumulation tank and it works fine.  I was wondering if anyone has replaced their water pump without disabling their tank and if they had any problems with the installation.  The filter I referenced is on the suction side of the pump.

[Keith Moffett]

Norm
Ours pump is the same as yours and has been replaced by a previous owner and the accumulator tank was functioning.  No problems to my knowlege until lately and we replaced the tank. 
I am having a problem with the red hat but I believe that is unrelated.

[Frank Bergamo]

Norm, I was hoping you would get more feedback on your water pump replacement with accumulator. You could try installing the Remco 55ARV pump and monitor the performance of it. If not satisfied with results, you can easily remove accumulator tank and put a plug in fitting. I believe it is a 3/4" pipe thread plug. I have this pump in my coach, with no accumulator, and am completely satisfied with its performance. As far as filter/water strainer on suction side of pump, Remco recommends one, to keep debris out of pump. Hope this helps.

[Norm Green]

Thanks to all.  I have ordered the pump and will install with the accumulator.  If I’m not pleased with the performance I will block off the accumulator.  I had previously removed thr auto-fill red hat because it failed while on the road.  I think I will obtain a new unit and put the auto fill back in place.  Thanks again to all who responded.