Hayward Super Pump not priming

[mas985]

A leaky seal should not affect a priming pump.

But a leaky pump basket lid would. Also make sure all your valves are open and you don't have any plugs in the skimmers.

[fog80]

Definitely no plugs in the skimmers. Water level is above the skimmer. Valves are open and I lubed the basket strainer gasket.

The pump pulls some water but it never gets more than half full.

I also Teflon taped the union joint closest to the pump and had tightened it. I was really hoping the problem was being caused by the pump seal. I just got my go kit in the mail so I'll change everything out and see what happens.

[mas985]

Another thing that can prevent a pump from priming is a clogged impeller. So while you have the pump apart check to make sure all the impeller vanes are clear.

[fog80]

Argh. Spent all morning taking the pump apart. Tried to undo the impeller by holding the shaft with a wrench and ended up breaking the centrifugal switch.

Drove 30 miles to buy a replacement. Now I have the 7/16 wrench holding the shaft from the bottom but just cannot get the impeller off. Tried using strap wrench and channel pliers, no luck.

Any other ideas? (I'm going counter clockwise).

[fog80]

Update: got a new strap wrench from lowes and the impeller came right off. Got all the seals and gaskets replaced.

Put water in the pot and sure enough, still leaking. Flipped it over and see a crack running across the bottom about 2-3" long.

Suggestions?