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Priming washdown pump

Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2018 2:46 pm
by AMCarter3
Any suggestion for priming the washdown pump? After cleaning the filter on it last Fall, it has not been used. Now it doesn’t prime. The thru-hull is open and the pump runs.., I spurts of air out the deck fitting, but no water. I also tried filling the filter cup.

Re: Priming washdown pump

Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2018 3:09 pm
by deising
I don't know the internal design of the pump, so maybe this won't work. You could try inserting the hose, removing the spray nozzle and pouring water back down with a funnel. If the water dribbles into the pumping mechanism, that might make a prime.

Re: Priming washdown pump

Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2018 3:35 pm
by AMCarter3
Duane, if you mean our water down the deck fitting, I tried that 3 times. It only accepts a little water and it did not prime the pump.

My next thought was to remove the hose clamps on thd intake hose sync put water down it.

Re: Priming washdown pump

Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2018 3:45 pm
by deising
I can't quite picture the arrangement right now, but moving the pump as low as possible would certainly help. That might not be very easy. Good luck.

Re: Priming washdown pump

Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2018 8:48 pm
by duetto
when you release the nozzle does the pump continue to run? if so, it could be an air leak downstream from the pump. the strainer seal ring would be a likely place but we had a pinhole develop in the hose to the strainer which had the same symptoms. if you have the same jabsco pump as we do it we easily self prime. another possibility is a faulty or clogged check valve in the pump head. if it's a clog you can disassemble the head and clean it. if the valve cups have taken a set you may have to replace.

Re: Priming washdown pump

Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2018 10:12 am
by AMCarter3
I solved it. The strainer cup was not completely tight. My maint. tech guy suggested that and, after tightening it, it instantly primed and we had water flow.

Thanks for the ideas! It all helps.

Re: Priming washdown pump

Posted: Sun Aug 11, 2019 12:55 am
by Tom Green
My washdown pump also lost its prime and would not function.

The 90 degree elbow fitting that screws into the deck valve was loose. The caulking that was used at installation was deteriorated. Took it off. Need to remove hose from pump to unscrew fromdeck fitting. Clean fitting well and applied some good tape and replaced it and reconnected hose. The pump it primed itself just fine. All is well.

He key seems to be finding the air leak in the system.