Reich pump in new Hymer not suitable for LiFePO4 leisure battery.

[LostInSpace]

As discussed in another thread, our Reich water pump has failed - and I have now got a new one delivered to an Amazon locker in Honfleur, France.

But, I have read the single English paragraph in the leaflet which says "The voltage is not to exceed 14 V", which makes it unsuitable for a Gel or LiFePO4 leisure battery on charge.

This quite possibly explains the background to a number of posts here about Reich failures,

 

[Lenny HB]

That sounds plane stupid any type of battery on charge will be over 14v.
Hymer fit Reich pumps and AGM batteries as standard and they charge them at 14.7v.

We had 3 Hymers over 16 years the only Reich pump that failed was after running it dry for several hours even then only one motor failed so it still worked just lower pressure.

 

[Jabstatt]

Try fitting a regulated 12v supply and see it it last longer.

Can you take the failed pump apart and see any clues as to failure?

Would be interesting.

Tony

 

[LostInSpace]

Don't shoot the messenger.

I am only quoting the Reich documentation for the replacement pump I have.
Same flow rate. Same Pressure.

 

[donkey]

I run my submersible pump at a constant 14.5v. This prevents issues with the pressure switch and shower flow.

Geoff

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[Terry]

Best to fit a pressure pump and do away with the stupid Reich pump and micro switches

 

[Lenny HB]

Best to fit a pressure pump and do away with the stupid Reich pump and micro switches

Did that on my last van, so much better

 

[StillGoing]

But, I have read the single English paragraph in the leaflet which says "The voltage is not to exceed 14 V", which makes it unsuitable for a Gel or LiFePO4 leisure battery on charge.

That also makes it unsuitable for lead-acid and AGM on charge. My motorhome battery charger charges them at 14.4V and 14.7V respectively.

That means the pump is unsuitable for any motorhome battery!

That’s got to be a printing error.

 

[LostInSpace]

That’s got to be a printing error.

Says the same in both the German and English sections.

So, maybe a technical author error. I had the misfortune to work with one of those.

 

[LostInSpace]

Or, maybe, they have now decided 14 volts is the safe limit. Following all the failures.

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[pappajohn]

Or, maybe, they have now decided 14 volts is the safe limit. Following all the failures.

What you mean is, they're covering their arse against failure claims.

 

[Reallyretired]

I have a reich pump with gel battery as standard. I have also fitted a pressure switch to overcome the problems with microswitch, as it now doesn't matter whether they work or not.

 

[peterc10]

Best to fit a pressure pump and do away with the stupid Reich pump and micro switches

I like the submersible pump in my Hymer because it is a lot quieter than an external one. Important when you get old and have to make a visit to the bog in the night. But I agree that the microswitchs are rubbish.

After my third failed microswitch I decided to change the system to a pressure switch system. I used a Whale pressure switch and it was very easy to fit. Had no problems since.

 

[activecampers]

Some things are only rated at 12v - even maxx-fans fail over 12v.
We run our LEDs on a regulated12v supply even though they are rated higher, but this stops any flickering and should make them live longer.
So if the pump says that, use a voltage regulator to it (rated to enough current) or stick a high enough rated diode in series to knock off 0.6v (I do this with some fans just to slow them down a bit)

Not a surprise. Things will run higher for a bit, until they don't

 

[LostInSpace]

So if the pump says that, use a voltage regulator to it (rated to enough current) or stick a high enough rated diode in series to knock off 0.6v

I like the simple solutions (the diode).

Means opening up the wiring again - but, I think I will go with that.

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[activecampers]

I like the simple solutions (the diode).

Means opening up the wiring again - but, I think I will go with that.

Obviously note diodes have current ratings so make sure you get one big enough!

 

[Jim]

What you mean is, they're covering their arse against failure claims.

That's the best answer. They have an inbuilt excuse for no refunds.

 

[Terry]

That's the best answer. They have an inbuilt excuse for no refunds.

Another easy way is to change from voltage sensitive Riech pump at £40 ish to a different pump at £10/15 pump