So I just added a V-green 165 VS pump to my system after my pump motor locked up on me. I had to replumb the pump housing and motor because the new motor wouldn't fit with the old configuration. After the replumb and changing out the shaft seal and all o rings, I can get the pump to prime when the multi port valve is set to filter. Oddly, it primes and works perfectly if the valve is set to recirculate. FYI, I also changed the spider gasket in the multi port valve. I'm lost. Why would everything work properly when set to recirculate but not when filtering? Help!
Losing prime when filtering
- Thread starter MSUFAN10
- Start date
n240sxguy
Well-known member
This may be a dumb question, but did you put the top of the valve back in exactly the same position? Other than that, I'm not sure. Have you checked the other settings? Like backwash, closed, rinse, to make sure they work as they should?
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Yes I put the valve back in the same position. Backwash and recirculate work fine. It's only when valve is moved to filter that I have a problem. If there was an air leak, I would think it would effect every setting.
Have you verified that water is being pulled into the skimmer and discharging through the returns when set to recirculate?
Yes the water moves freely when set to recirculate. The pump basket is full with no air bubbles. The SWG is full with no air bubbles and the jets are rolling. A minute or so after switching to filter I get air in the line and lose prime. The water sits about an inch below the pump basket lid and only fills halfway up the SWG. It still flows through the returns but I'm obviously pulling air from somewhere.
Have you backwashed recently? When my sand filter gets dirty my first indication sometimes is a half full pump basket. After I backwash and rinse, the pump basket is full again when set to filter. Hows PSI?
I did backwash a few days ago. My PSI normally runs about 10 or so. Currently, it's in the 15-17 range. I am in the middle of turning the pool from the winter swamp back into a backyard oasis. I will give that a try later today and see if that helps any.
What does the pressure gauge show during this process? Does it spike before the prime loss?
Not sure about that. I haven't watched the pressure gauge during the process. I will have to check when I go home for lunch.
So I went home and switched the valve from recirculate to filter. Some of the water from the SWG drained out while turning the valve but the pump basket stayed full. Switched the pump back on and the pump basket stayed primed but the SWG never filled back up. It got about 3/4 the way full and stayed there. The pressure never changed. It stayed around 15 PSI. There has to be something going on inside the sand filter right?
After running for a few hours the skimmer basket now has a big air bubble and the SWG is only half way full.
Problem fixed! Thank you bongardjm. Backwashed for 5 minutes, rinsed, set to filter and like magic I have a fully primed pump. I love the easy fixes.