Help! Pump problems

[kevinm]

I am at a loss as to what is wrong. A week ago the motor went out on our pump (Pac-Fab Challenger 2HP, 1.3SF). I ordered a new one and installed it today along with a new main seal. Put water into the basket, turned it on, and it won't prime.

I did get it to prime once by opening the pressure relief valve on the filter. But, when I switched from service to auto, it won't reprime. And now I can't get it to prime at all. I've disassembled it and re-assembled it 2 or 3 times and everything looks fine.

It's a 230v pump.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Kevin

[Poconos]

I won't be of much help but a couple questions: What is Auto and Service? Not familiar with that filter. Also, what did you take apart 2-3 times? Filter or pump? Could there be a blockage on the pressure side? If there is then the pump may or may not prime, depending on how much water flow is initially achieved. Keep in mind these self priming pumps can only pull a little vacuum to start water flow. If anything such as too high of a lift on the suction side or a blockage on the pressure side then it may have trouble priming. Any way to disconnect the pump outlet from the system and see if it primes and pumps water ? Best I can do for now.
Al

[kevinm]

Auto and service are settings on the pool controller - auto allows the computer to control everything and service let's you control from the panel at the pump and filter.

Opening the pressure valve on the filter is how I originally got it to prime the first time.

Is it possible that there is a blockage on the suction side? It's a 2" supply so I can't imagine it's blocked. Also, I can't get it to prime on pool or spa setting, and I can't believe both lines could be blocked. Spa setting has both suction and return set to for the spa.

I disassembled the pump - thinking that I re-assembled it incorrectly.

I also have a spigot after the pump and before the filter. I've even opened it with no luck. So that would indicate it's not on the pressure/return side.

Thanks for the thoughts.

Kevin

[kevinm]

This morning I disassembled the pump, everything looked fine, so I reassembled. I also confirmed there was no obstructions in the line. I then re-siliconed the o-ring on the basket lid, filled up the basket and re-tightened the lid. I started it up still would not prime. Shut it down, switched to spa mode, tried it again and to my disbelief it primed. So, I let it run a little while, switched to pool mode, and it continued to work. I've not yet shut it off to see if it will re-start as I need to get the pool clean.

Hopefully, all is now well.

Thanks,
Kevin

[Poconos]

Interesting thing to note when you shut it off if the water drains out of the pump basket. If it does then there is an air leak somewhere. When running in 'pool' mode do you notice any air bubbles shooting out the returns?
Al

[kevinm]

Well, everything worked fine up until yesterday. Then, pump lost prime. Now, it won't prime again. I put in all new seals today with silicone lubricant, confirmed no obstructions in the lines, still won't prime.

I'm at a loss any thoughts?

Thanks,
Kevin