Pump won't prime

[Kidswimin]

Long time reader, first time poster. I opened my pool this weekend, used a net to get most of the big stuff. Got the pump running, and started to vacuum the leaves and other debris off the bottom. I removed the vac plate from the skimmer basket to empty it, tried to vacuum more, and pump lost prime from sucking air when removing vac. I tried everything (I think) to reprime the pump, and it won't. I blew the lines out with air to see if anything got behind the skimmer basket while emptying. I replaced o-rings on the pump plugs, and resealed all other fittings. I tried to get the pump going with just the skimmer line, just the bottom drain line, and both. Nothing seems to help.
Any Ideas?

 

[woodyp]

With the pump unplugged.....can you feel anything that may be jamming up the impeller?

 

[Kidswimin]

The impeller spins freely. When I pour water in the basket to get it to prime, I can see it pulling the water I pour in but it doesn't keep pulling.

 

[Kidswimin]

I think I found the problem. When pump is off there is a drip coming from the bottom of the band clamp the oring looks good but I will replace. Should I also replace the clamp. Any other ideas

 

[duraleigh]

I am not at all sure that is your problem. Are you talking about the band clamp on the pump?

 

[Kidswimin]

Yes, the band clamp on the pump. That is the only thing that I can see is leaking. Could that suck enough air to not allow the pump to prime?

 

[vinper]

yes, most suction leaks are at the connection

 

[Kidswimin]

New o-ring same problem. Up next is the shaft seal