Can't seem to prime my pump, water just leaves the basket.

[InheritedAnthony]

Hi!

I have an old Pentair challenger "Self-priming" pump that we just replaced the motor on.
The pool guy installed the motor and primed the pump last week.
Today I opened the pump filter basket to clean it and I cannot for the life of me figure out how to get it primed again.

Here's what happens: I pour a bucket of water into the basket, and most of the water flows back out down he suction side to the skimmer and spa but some stays in the basket.
Then I cover it and start the pump.
The pump just sucks the little water left and then spins loudly for about 30 seconds before I shut it off to prevent damage.

Here's what I have tried:

• Replace and lube the basket O Ring.
• Clean skimmer basket
• Try setting suction side to 100% spa or 100% pool.
• Close the basketr fast while there it still more water in it
• Make the basket cover loose or tight

None of these have had any effect.

I understand that I probably have a Suction side air leak, but I don't know how to diagnose it. All the pipe connections seem solid and the cover is the same as before at least to me.
Is there something else possible with the basket cover?

Is there a way to upload a video here?

Start:

Filling Basket:

Water level after filling:


Cover and new O ring:


Cover on:

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

This tool may help with priming the pump.

 

[InheritedAnthony]

This tool may help with priming the pump.View attachment 531294

Interesting!
How would I use this?
Does it go in the skimmer return with a garden hose and I use that to force water all the way to the pump?

 

[ajw22]

The pump just sucks the little water left and then spins loudly for about 30 seconds before I shut it off to prevent damage.

Let the pump run longer then 30 seconds to prime. A few minutes of priming before water starts flowing will not damage the pump seal.

 

[Darin]

I have this pump. An easy way to prime it is to:
1. Unscrew the plug on the strainer basket and insert a short plastic pipe nipple
2. put a little plastic quarter turn valve to nipple
3.. screw on a NPT to garden hose adapter
4. hook up your water hose and turn it on.
5. fill up strainer basket and start up pump.
6. Pump will prime and when it does shut off little valve and disconnect hose.

This will cost about $8 for the parts at the hardware store.

This will get you going now so go find where the air is getting into your system.

 

[Darin]

You have a really good pump, it may just need a seal set it your guy did not replace it when he disassembled it.

 

[InheritedAnthony]

Interestingly, I let it sit for about an hour and tried to start it up again and it worked just fine, pulling in water in about 10 seconds.
I assume it is somehow related to the cover but time and more experimentation will tell.

I'll keep and eye on it and see if it loses the prime when the pump is off though.

Thanks!!

 

[InheritedAnthony]

I have this pump. An easy way to prime it is to:
1. Unscrew the plug on the strainer basket and insert a short plastic pipe nipple
2. put a little plastic quarter turn valve to nipple
3.. screw on a NPT to garden hose adapter
4. hook up your water hose and turn it on.
5. fill up strainer basket and start up pump.
6. Pump will prime and when it does shut off little valve and disconnect hose.

This will cost about $8 for the parts at the hardware store.

This will get you going now so go find where the air is getting into your system.

brilliant - I might have to do that.

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

Yes, it forces water into the plumbing displacing the air.

 

[1poolman1]

Interestingly, I let it sit for about an hour and tried to start it up again and it worked just fine, pulling in water in about 10 seconds.
I assume it is somehow related to the cover but time and more experimentation will tell.

I'll keep and eye on it and see if it loses the prime when the pump is off though.

Thanks!!

Some pumps take a minute or more to fully prime. Its not unusual, especially for a Challenger pump. Won't hurt anything.