Suction side problem...

[Magnew]

Hello friends: I have recently developed a suction side issue which I am having troubleshooting. The filter basket is never full as it used to be, and I seem to be getting only about 75% suction. I have isolated all suction-side lines (vacuum, main, skimmer) which results in no change. Pump itself is only a couple of months old. Maybe the impellor and/or housing? I would appreciate any ideas. Thanks, Mike

 

[PoolStored]

First plan of action. Lubricate the pump o-rings, lid and drains. Use a silicone LUBRICANT like Magic Lube II (not ptfe/teflon lubricant).

Failing that, here is your guide...

Suction Side Air Leaks

If you see air bubbles coming out of the return lines in your pool, you likely have a leak. Some signs that a suction side plumbing leak has occurred include: Read more

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Magnew]

Will I need to disassemble the impeller housing and do the same there?

 

[Jimrahbe]

Mike,

How does the water flow back to the pool 'feel' at a pool return? Strong or weak?

When was the last time you cleaned your filter?

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[proavia]

It looks more like you replaced the motor and not the entire pump.

Try what @PoolStored recommended first. If that doesn't correct the issue, you can look further.

 

[Magnew]

It looks more like you replaced the motor and not the entire pump.

Try what @PoolStored recommended first. If that doesn't correct the issue, you can look further.

Correct, I only replaced the motor. They sent me a "fast kit" to replace all the o-rings, but it was the wrong one.

 

[Magnew]

Mike,

How does the water flow back to the pool 'feel' at a pool return? Strong or weak?

When was the last time you cleaned your filter?

Thanks,

Jim R.

Cleaned the filter yesterday. Water flow to pool feels "decent," but not what it used to be. Also, constant stream of bubbles coming from one of the returns into the pool.

 

[proavia]

Correct, I only replaced the motor. They sent me a "fast kit" to replace all the o-rings, but it was the wrong one.

Did you reuse the old O-rings and seal or did you get the correct Go-Kit?

 

[Magnew]

Did you reuse the old O-rings and seal or did you get the correct Go-Kit?

I reused the old O-rings.

 

[proavia]

I reused the old O-rings.

If the recommendation to lube that @PoolStored doesn't remedy your issue, get the correct Go-Kit and replace
the O-rings. It still isn't clear if you replaced the seal with a new one.

 

[Magnew]

If the recommendation to lube that @PoolStored doesn't remedy your issue, get the correct Go-Kit and replace
the O-rings. It still isn't clear if you replaced the seal with a new one.

No, I did not replace the seal either. I wanted to order a new and correct Go-kit, but had trouble identifying what kit would be the correct one to order. Attached is a photo of the incorrect Go-kit..

 

[Magnew]

Magic Lubed the O-ring on the strainer basket. No improvement. How and where do I find the correct Go-Kit?

 

[PoolStored]

How and where do I find the correct Go-Kit?

What is the make and model # of the pump? Should be on the pump housing, NOT on the motor. Label on the motor is just for the motor.

 

[Magnew]

It is a Pentair Challenger. P/N 342232. I have attached a photo of the quite faded label. Thank you.

 

[PoolStored]

Aladdin: Link--> https://www.amazon.com/Aladdin-Pac-Fab-Challenger-Pump-GO-KIT5-9/dp/B004VTD0O4
Pentair: Link--> https://www.amazon.com/Pentair-356199-Seal-Set-Challenger/dp/B09DNBKCZK

 

[Magnew]

Until my proper Go-Kit arrives on Tuesday, I discovered another, but maybe related problem today. My pump is now not pumping any water at all. I found the screw-in pipe connection to the outlet side to be extremely loose, and leaking. Picture attached. Looked like I used some kind of white sealant paste at the time to help with the seal (along with Teflon tape), but I forgot what that was?

 

[PoolStored]

Five or six wraps of Teflon followed with a small coating of silicone sealant over that, hand tight plus a quarter turn.

 

[Magnew]

Update: I finally got the proper Go-Kit and completely rebuilt the pump. New o-rings and seals everywhere. Greatly reduced my problem. However, I still have a tiny stream of bubbles and the pump basket is never completely clear and full as in years gone by. Photos of both attached. Perhaps leaky Jandy valves? (They're very old). Thanks folks!

 

[PoolStored]

Rebuild the valves.

https://www.amazon.com/Replacement-NeverLube-Pentair-51016200-R0487100

 

[Magnew]

Rebuild the valves.

https://www.amazon.com/Replacement-NeverLube-Pentair-51016200-R0487100

Linky no worky?