I moved this from another thread because it put it under regular operations not repair..

We discovered this accidentally. The pump come within 4" bubble from priming. We've isolated each line siliconed every connection. Replaced every o ring.
We started the pump with the basket out..the one at the pump (obviously) and it primed.
Do you think it's the motor? Maybe it's not able to suck enough to pull the water through the basket.
The basket is clear..nothing stuck in it.
We took the motor away from the pump, cleaned the impellor..(spelling?)
Completely cleaned the filter and replaced the DE.
The drain is sucking, the skimmer is sucking. You can see the water rushing into the basket through the clear lid.

I thought it was strange that it would prime without the basket. We tried it twice to make sure it wasn't a fluke.

Any ideas?

Plus is it safe the run if it's just a bubble away from prime?
I'm obviously not circulating the water and it's getting yucky.
Thanks!