Pump not priming after new Vgreen EVQ225 motor install

[mas956]

Hi all,

I'm having problems getting my pump to prime after new motor install. It primed okay with the old motor and other than the new motor, the only change has been a new basket lid o-ring (well-lubed). I have not checked valve o-rings yet but it doesn't appear that any of them are on the suction side.

Pump basket will fill after pump runs for about two minutes and then immediately empties. Here is a short video showing this:

Any suggested next steps much appreciated!

 

[mas985]

When you replaced the motor, did you also replace ALL of the seals and gaskets using a pump go-kit? If not, it is likely one of the other seals is bad. The drain plug is on the suction side of the pump and the diffuser O-ring can also be a source.

 

[mas956]

I installed go-kit 38 and replaced all gaskets and seals. I also removed the drain plug at the bottom of the pump basket - applied teflon and re-installed. It does not leak (water) but I did not replace the o-ring and probably should revisit that.

 

[mas985]

Also check the skimmer weir door to see if it sticking or the water level is too low.

 

[mas956]

Thanks. I filled the pool to mid-skimmer and checked the weir which moves freely. I also inserted a drain king rubber bladder through the pump basket into the suction side plumbing and turned the hose on. After a short period, water was flowing from the outer port on the skimmer so I believe that line to be free of blockage.

 

[mas985]

After turning on the pump, look inside the skimmer and see if it is generating a vortex.

 

[reggiehammond]

Those usernames have me thinking:

 

[mas956]

After turning on the pump, look inside the skimmer and see if it is generating a vortex.

After a couple of minutes, the skimmer will function as normal but then “flush” rapidly, refill and be still for another minute or so. Then the cycle repeats.

 

[mas985]

Sure sounds like a low water level issue and/or a stuck weir door.

 

[mas956]

Would it be useful to use the rubber bladder to run water from the skimmer back to the pump? I can’t completely discount a blockage on the suction side but I doubt it.

 

[mas985]

Would it be useful to use the rubber bladder to run water from the skimmer back to the pump? I can’t completely discount a blockage on the suction side but I doubt it.

If there was a blockage between the pump and the skimmer, that would reduce flow and the skimmer would not drain as quickly. The issue is between the pool water and the skimmer outlet pipe. Because it drains so quickly, it is more likely to be either a low water level or a stuck weir.

Is the water level more than 1/2 way up the skimmer? It should be about 2/3rds of the opening.

 

[mas956]

Those usernames have me thinking:

Haha! The difference is that one of us is a pool expert and the other is a jumble of letters and numbers....

 

[1poolman1]

Would it be useful to use the rubber bladder to run water from the skimmer back to the pump? I can’t completely discount a blockage on the suction side but I doubt it.

Never do that. If there is a blockage it will only force it deeper into the plumbing.

 

[mas956]

WE HAVE A WINNER!!!! Mad props to @mas985 - I double-checked the free-moving weir door (it was) and then filled the pool much higher than in the past. After a couple of minutes the pump primed and is now happily loping along at 1725 rpm with a pump basket full of water.

What a relief. I truly appreciate all the help from mas985 and everyone else who chimed in! Leak detection is my next challenge but I'll start a new thread for that journey.

Edit: spelling

 

[mknauss]

What a relief. I trulyappreciate all the help from mas985 and everyone else who chimed in!

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