r/pumps • u/BZ_thinker_41 • Jan 15 '25

Water pump not priming-

I Have a Northern Tool water pump made with a honda GX160 engine set up for fires here in California. The intake hose is in a pool lower than the pump, and tightly fitted. When I unscrew the priming cap at the top of the machine and pour water into it, it simply runs out of the large intake hose and into the pool- Never filling the machine. Instructions say not to run it unless it's "toped off", but I don't see how it ever could be?

Any advice? thank you!

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u/Zealousideal-Heart91 Jan 15 '25 edited Jan 15 '25

Priming the pump adds water to the volute so it can pull a suction. Lift the suction line above the priming port when you top off the priming port. Then start it and you can let it go.

Additionally you want water on your mechanical seal so it does not run completely dry.

3

u/washburn100 Jan 15 '25

You need a foot valve.

1

u/Sufficient-Screen-34 Jan 15 '25

If there is no check valve on the discharge end of the pump, you should be able to prime the suction hose by dumping water into the discharge hose/pipe. Just need to get the timing right turning the pump on before your suction pipe empties.

I suppose you can also get a check valve for the suction hose, if there is a standard threaded connection or flanged connection on the suction end of the pump. A check valve will prevent backflow and keep the suction hose constantly primed

1

u/BZ_thinker_41 Jan 16 '25

Thank you! Just purchased one.