Need HELP with Pump Prime!!!

[Koidaddy]

Today I flipped the switch on my new Kohaku pump (BTW, not a self- priming pump). As recommended I added a leaf basket, I also added a check valve before the pump, just below the water line and one on the exit pipe leaving the pump.

Help!!!
I'm having trouble getting the pump to prime... I'm adding water to the leaf basket to fill, closing, and then starting the motor - 9 times out of 10 I loose prime instantly having the water suck up through the pump with the in line from the leaf basket not being able to keep up, ending with a loss of prime and the leaf basket almost empty of water. Now, when I'm lucky enough to manage prime, it's only with the leaf basket 2/3 full of water just a hair above the in pipe inside the leaf basket - Even after running for 5 minutes it doesn't fill past the 2/3 mark, leaving an air bubble inside the basket - I don't think this is normal... is it???

I'm a bit wiped out over this, as this project keeps on going with my energy level ebbing..

Got any ideas what may be wrong? The kohaku pump comes with three impellers, (low med high) I'm using the low one at the moment - Should I increase pull?

Dazed and confused!
KD
:(

[marla]

Boy I wish I could help, but DH is the pump expert here and he is asleep on the couch. Hope it comes around for you

[philly]

Today I flipped the switch on my new Kohaku pump (BTW, not a self- priming pump). As recommended I added a leaf basket, I also added a check valve before the pump, just below the water line and one on the exit pipe leaving the pump.

Help!!!
I'm having trouble getting the pump to prime... I'm adding water to the leaf basket to fill, closing, and then starting the motor - 9 times out of 10 I loose prime instantly having the water suck up through the pump with the in line from the leaf basket not being able to keep up, ending with a loss of prime and the leaf basket almost empty of water. Now, when I'm lucky enough to manage prime, it's only with the leaf basket 2/3 full of water just a hair above the in pipe inside the leaf basket - Even after running for 5 minutes it doesn't fill past the 2/3 mark, leaving an air bubble inside the basket - I don't think this is normal... is it???

I'm a bit wiped out over this, as this project keeps on going with my energy level ebbing..

Got any ideas what may be wrong? The kohaku pump comes with three impellers, (low med high) I'm using the low one at the moment - Should I increase pull? Dazed and confused! KD :(

Don't worry if it doesn't fill past the 2/3 mark let it run it sometimes take as much as 20 minutes to half hour before the priming pot will fill up, like you I tried everything possible filling my filter, the priming pot and piping but always end up with the pot almost empty so left it running and presto it was filled all by itself so I don't stand and watch anymore just leave it running, as for the impellers they can be changed anytime depending on the flow you want to have. :smile:

[Koidaddy]

Thanks Phil... I feel better now :yup: Good thing I read this before going to bed, otherwise I'd obsess about it before falling asleep!


Also, I was thinking... the pond is a good 40 feet of piping away, with several twist and turns... I'm sure that doesn't help either!


I let it run tomorrow and get back to you ~

KD
:grin:

[philly]

Just have a look and see if the water level has risen a little bit if not and it's still where it was before let it run till the morning. :(

[Peg]

KD, just flip your leaf basket upside down so the air gets sucked up into the pump you will hear it. Then flip back the right way, thats what I do when I have to clean the leaf basket. Will post a pic in the morning as I have to clean it.

[philly]

Peg, I wish I could do that but the filtration plumbing used is all hard piping. :yup:

[Koidaddy]

Peg, Mine is held in place with clamps.... so I can still modify if need be... How the heck do you flip yours while still maintaining a solid connection??

Curious mind wants to know...... Flexible tubing? :yup:

[Koidaddy]

Phil, This has got me thinking.... and you're a smart guy...(God, I hate to compliment you!! :HAHA:) Would there be any hard ABS fittings "out there" with "rocker connections" that would allow a flip?

KD
:doh:

[philly]

Peg, Mine is held in place with clamps.... so I can still modify if need be... How the heck do you flip yours while still maintaining a solid connection??

Curious mind wants to know...... Flexible tubing? :yup:

KD, if you use Tigerflex hoses 3' to 5' on either side of the basket that would give you enough play to flip the basket over, remember ribbed hoses always leak after awhile so I use the Tigerflex hoses instead. :yup:

[philly]

Phil, This has got me thinking.... and you're a smart guy...(God, I hate to compliment you!! :HAHA:) Would there be any hard ABS fittings "out there" with "rocker connections" that would allow a flip?

KD :doh:

KD, I hate to disappoint you because if I was a smart guy everyone would have been charged for my advise including you. :frisbee: I'm pretty sure there is some type of rotating union out there but the trouble is where to find it. We have hose connectors at work that swivels somewhat at work and they are for high pressure lines over 5000 psi so I see no reason why they can't make one for low pump pressure water pump. What are you doing up this early ? :grin:

[Jackie Ramo]

My leaf basket is only full of water when it is time to empty the algae out of it. It always runs almost empty, it isn't an air bubble its a vacuum seal. Looking and seeing it full tells me it is time to clean it, looking and seeing the water pouring in tells me it doesn't need cleaning.

[philly]

My leaf basket is always full except for a little air pocket the size of a 1" tomato when the water level drops below the intake hole in the basket it time to backflush the system out. I guess each system works differently for each of us, in the end it's whatever works best. :smile:

[Peg]

Yes Kd I use flex hose and have a bit of play in the hose because its a little longer then I needed. My leaf basket lays on its side in the veggie filter for now. Heres how its hooked up, retro bottom drain to float valve, then to the leaf basket, then to the pump, pump splits goes to waterfalls and eazy pod. If I shut the intake valve on the easy and unplug the pump then I can take the lid off slowly to let the water out, clean the basket and put the lid back on just enough to catch. Open the valve on the easy and the back flow of water forces the air out the lid, tighten and plug in the pump, flip the basket upside down wait a few seconds for the air to be sucked up by the pump and flip back over away I go. I believe the leaf basket needs to have little to no air in order for the pump to work to its best ability.

[Koidaddy]

Thanks Peg & Phil, and yup, I agree... basket should almost have no visible air inside -- I've looked after a few swimming pools in my day, and like you say, when pump gets that last suck of air, it really takes off!

I'll keep you posted ~ More work today on filter conversions (messy job)


Maybe Jackie's is full of hot air??? :HAHA:
KD
:-P

[philly]

On Jackie's defence her pump might be too small that's why she has a new pump now which will be installed very soon when the filter is moved to it's new location. :yup:

[Koidaddy]

Meant no harm to Miss Jackie, Just pullin her leg....

Oh, BTW, I've expanded my pond by 10,000 gallons - Large enough for any new additions!

KD
:grin:

[Koidaddy]

Almost forgot.... All is well with pump today - removed check valve at pump exit and now have pump ignition!! Go figure... it's the little things that get in the way!:yup:

[Peg]

I had to up grade to a bigger pump as well in the beginning when we put in the retro bottom drain. The pump I bought was not big enough and it would lose prime at least 2 times a day. Glad to hear things are running better today KD. Nice to have the room to expand, wish I could

[Koidaddy]

This pump's a gusher!! Fish love it too, especially now with their no niche skimmer running:yup::grin:

[philly]

When you say 10.000 gallons is that the pond size ? :)

[philly]

When you say 10.000 gallons is that the pond size ? :)

What a lutz I am after reading your post I realize that you're talking pump gallons. :banghead:

[Jackie Ramo]

Iknow the pump is small but it is working well. Even if I start with it full of water soon there is the 'bubble' but I have to take a hammer to open the leaf basket as the vacuum is so strong.

[Peg]

Mine is the same way, have to get Peter to do it or like you use a hammer to tap it loose. Jackie if your leaf basket will be plumbed in with flex hose you should be able to flip it so the air is sucked out by the pump like I do. Just remember to filp it back.

[philly]

Is tapping the leaf basket with a hammer a Jackie and Peg special. :lol:

[Koidaddy]

.... I know Peg flip her lid a while back, now looks like Jackie will be flipping hers too!:lol: (Sunday morning humor)

[Jackie Ramo]

I flipped mine a long time ago!!!

[Koidaddy]

:haha:

[Koidaddy]

:lol:

[philly]

I told ya she was a possible nut case. :lol:

[Jackie Ramo]

Nothing possible about it, a true nut case, so watch you step!!:frisbee:

[philly]

Oh I better watch myself around her pond I think it's 5' deep. :HAHA:

[Koidaddy]

Yes... and if Jackie pushes you in, there are huge boulders in her pond that could inflict a nasty injury... or at least that's what she would tell the police



.... where's that hammer:lol:

[philly]

.... where's that hammer:lol:

I sure hope it's not in her hand as she has told me she not a handy person in any way. :lol:

[Koidaddy]

... oh that poor Jackie, more abuse from the peanut gallery!

:phfft:

[philly]

Wait till she gets on board there will be lots to say. :)

[Jackie Ramo]

I think I should just ignore the two of you, :yup: talking to you only encourages you

[philly]

Well who else would we talk too you're our favourite candidate hands down. :yesyes: