Winterization with Nautilus- lack of suction with water pump?

[andyusna77]

I couldn't find previous posts on this subject so apologize if it's been addressed? I have winterized our previous travel trailers so am familiar with the process and using the water pump to suck in RV antifreeze fluid. I followed the GD owners manual and triple checked each valve setting on the Nautilus Panel for using the compressor to blow out the system, and then for going to the Winterize settings to bring in the pink fluid. I used a 2.5 foot hose and placed it into the gallon jug of fluid. When I turned the pump on, I heard it running but nothing was being sucked in. Typically there is a quick surge of fluid being drawn in, and then slowing until varying sink, bath fixtures are opened to flow out the fluid. I cycled the water pump and assured the low point drains were tightened, valves oriented correctly, etc. The pump didn't sound like it was cavitating and was running with the normal "hum". After cycling the pump on/ off several times I was able to get enough fluid through the lines but am concerned why the pump isn't getting a good flow volume? Any insights?
Thanks you,

Mike
2022 Reflection 337RLS

[andyusna77]

Please disregard my original post. In searching the Internet for more help, I actually found a GD forum with several posts with great input and one that appeared to solve the problem. Sorry to bother....
Mike

[howson]

andyusna77 -- let me guess: turn the city inlet cone screen around so it opens the valve?

[jim81147]

Could you possibly link to that discussion? Thanks.

[howson]

Could you possibly link to that discussion? Thanks.

Jim,
Just turn the city water inlet screen around so the "pointy end" is facing in so it forces open the valve. What's happening is the pump can't overcome the spring tension.

Don't forget to flip it back around when you're done winterizing.





Howard

[jim81147]

Thank you Howard

[andyusna77]

I too thank you Howard. There were other posts I found while searching the Internet outside of this forum and it returned several posts from GD 2020. One summarized many of your (and others) recommendations which helped me. The summary was from Chuck48 dated 10/17/2020 and was based on your inputs! Besides reversing the City Water screen, priming the pump by filling the hose going into the jug of fluid helped too.
Much appreciated

Mike
2022 Reflection 337RLS