Boondock port not drawing water

[Gliddenwoods]

I am attempting to draw bleach water into my boondock port to clean the tank. I have done this several times over the past few years. However today the port is not drawing water. I am sure (I think) I have all things set up correctly. The pump sounds normal. The port was working (and entire water system) upon return in April. The Oliver was stored in a heated building since our return.

So what may I be missing? Any thoughts on checking the system. Is there a need/way to prime the pump?

Thanks. 

[Galway Girl]

Is there any water in the tank?   If completely empty  you could try first to check and clear inline filter located by the pump.  This may be enough to break air pocket.    
 

Next try  holding your external tank above the back bumper to give a bit of gravity help to the pump.
 

alternatively 

If you have access to pressurized street water try pressurizing and running a bit then turn off water at street and try pump again just in normal position. 
 

Video on priming:

 

https://youtube.com/shorts/AEcmmXFO8ww?si=bGwmFSqB-FYKYFGw

Edited Saturday at 04:51 PM by Galway Girl

[Gliddenwoods]

Update.

The draw from the boondock port is there, but very very weak.

I put the Oliver back in normal use water use and added water to the fresh water tank. Then when I check the pump and water pressure to the two sinks the pump ran normal and very well. Went back to boondock setup and tried to draw water in back port. Again the draw from the back boondock port was very very weak. 

Is something blocking the line from the back boondock port to the pump...maybe?

[topgun2]

Sounds to me like you have an "air leak" in that line from the boondocking post to the pump - i.e. you need to have what is basically a perfect seal in any connection between that boondocking port and the water pump.

The first place I would check is right where you connect your hose into the boondocking port - this is where I have had "issues" in the past.  Next check all hoses in and around the water pump to include that little water "filter" right at the pump - be positive that none of these are leaking and are tight.

Finally, check any elbows or other connections in the run of pipes from the boondocking port to the pump.

Good luck!

Bill

[jd1923]

As Bill @topgun2 mentioned, “right where you connect your hose into the boondocking port” the rear hose bib itself. If it wobbles, it needs tightening. There is a hex opening inside, maybe a 1/2” (13mm) hex? Not certain of size.

When we bought our Oliver used 3 of 4 were loose, and since I have the correct Allen key in our tool bag for when needed again.

Edited Saturday at 09:28 PM by jd1923

[Galway Girl]

1 hour ago, jd1923 said:

1/2” (13mm) hex

That’s correct.  

[mossemi]

4 hours ago, jd1923 said:

1/2” (13mm) hex

Since I don’t own a 1/2" Allen wrench, I carry a 5/16" bolt and 2 nuts back to back to create a 1/2" Allen wrench.  Tightening the Oliver hose bibs is the only time I remember ever needing a 1/2” Allen wrench, so I used what I had available.

Mossey

[Gliddenwoods]

Yup, thats what was the problem...air leak.

Thanks all.

[Geronimo John]

On 6/7/2025 at 8:05 AM, topgun2 said:

Sounds to me like you have an "air leak"

Mine has been a tired hose bibb gasket on my water transfer hose and/or the hose was not tight on the Ollie boondock connection.  

GJ