2008 Tahoe 215 - Fresh Water System

[slw2206]

I bought a used 2008 Tahoe 215 at the end of last season. The boat is in pretty good shape and I've been able to test and verify all systems work except the fresh water.

Since this is my first boat, I'm looking for a little help on how to isolate where the problem may be.

I've filled the fresh water tank so I can test the various components.

When I turn on the "Fresh Water" toggle on the dash the pump does not turn on, should it?

Not sure how this system is supposed to work since I've never seen one in "normal operating condition".

I'm guessing if you guys think the pump should turn on when I turn that switch, then I can throw a voltmeter on the wire leads and see if I'm getting power to the pump is if the problem is upstream of the pump?

I've also opened the valve on the sink and the pump doesn't turn on when I do this, but again not sure what causes the pump to run in normal conditions so unsure if this is a problem.

Any advice is appreciated, hopefully I've got this system running in short order

 

[mr 88]

Verify that your getting voltage to the toggle switch,test light will work. If not back track from the switch. If you are ,then verify that your getting voltage at the pump.The pump when working will shut itself off when you system is fully pressurized,turn your faucet on and the pump will run,turn faucet off and pump will stop shortly thereafter. You may have a blown or crusty fuse on the wire that leads to the toggle switch. You can also put 12 volts directly to pump to make sure its running. My guess is your not getting juice to the toggle switch.

 

[oldjeep]

Typically you would turn the switch on to "arm" the system and then the pump would turn on when you open the faucet. Highly doubt that it is a pressurized system, likely a demand system.

 

[JoLin]

Typically you would turn the switch on to "arm" the system and then the pump would turn on when you open the faucet. Highly doubt that it is a pressurized system, likely a demand system.

Yes, OP should try flipping the switch and turning on the faucet. However, mine is a demand system and with the faucet closed, the pump always runs for a second or two when I flip the switch. Same on my previous 2 boats. I'm guessing if he hears nothing, there's an electrical issue.

 

[mr 88]

Typically you would turn the switch on to "arm" the system and then the pump would turn on when you open the faucet. Highly doubt that it is a pressurized system, likely a demand system.

They are all pressurized systems. When you turn the pump on if there is not enough back pressure on the pump it will turn on. Just open up a faucet before you turn on the pump,let some water out then close faucet. Now when you turn the water pump on, it will fill up what you let out THEN stop running because of the back pressure on the pump. If it wasn't pressurized the pump would always have to be turned on and off manually. All RVs are like that as well.

 

[Grub54891]

Some have a secondary switch by the sink itself. Look for that. The dash one may be just to provide power to the other switch. Regardless, I also think you have a power issue.

 

[SkaterRace]

Sounds like an electrical issue. Check that you have proper voltage at every point along the way. If you do then check by "jumping" the pump if it works great if not then you need a new pump.

 

[slw2206]

Thanks guys,

I was able to verify it's a problem at the switch (no voltage there) and also verified the pump worked off another battery. Didn't have time to track down the source of the problem to the switch (had too much fun and the water system fell in priority once we were on the lake) so that's left for next weekend, but at least I've narrowed down the cause.