Hayward Power-Pro Matrix Pump Problem

[riverwalker76]

I believe my pump is cavitating.

I have a clear strainer cover on my pump, so I can see what is going on in the strainer assembly.

When I remove the strainer cover it fills up with water, and will over flow. When I replace the cover there is only a small air space in the pump. Then after I run it for a few minutes the water level drops back down, and only fills the strainer assembly half way.

Also, my filter is only showing 4 psi, and it should read at least 5 psi per the new running reading last season.


I have replaced all of the o-rings and checked for a good seal, but air is still getting in there somehow.


Any suggestions?

 

[JasonLion]

That isn't cavitating. Cavitation makes a loud noise and no air accumulates in the pump.

That is air getting into the pump, either from a leak or from the skimmer or from the strainer basket lid. Check that the water is high enough in the skimmer to be sure air isn't being drawn in through a vortex. You can also try spraying water on various pipes to see if the air in the pump disappears. If the air in the pump disappears with spraying water on a pipe you have found where the leak is.

 

[Wolfmarsh]

I have the same pump, and the seal between the lid and the pump is horrible.

You need to bolt the pump down if its not already (youll need to put a lot of torque on the lid).

Here is what I did to fix the exact same problem:

Take the lid off, pull out the rubber o-ring that goes all the way around. Run a bead of some kind of gasket lube/seal in the hole where the o-ring was. Put the o-ring back in and push it down into the lube. Run another bead on top of the o-ring.

When you put the cover on, put some torque into it and turn it on good.

Stopped my pump from sucking in air like it sounds like yours is doing.