Pump Troubleshooting

Even the best products on the market need troubleshooting. Below is a list of common problems and likely causes and solutions. If you are unable to get your Pacer Pump to work, please contact us. 

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Problem: Pump will not prime or pump

POSSIBLE CAUSESOLUTION
1.  not primed1.  fill pump with clean liquid and restart
2.  air leaks at suction line

2.  use 6 to 10 wraps of teflon tape or liquid teflon on all pump port fittings

2.  fittings should be hand tight plus one full turn

2.  replace any torn or damaged suction lines

2.  check for worn gasket in suction hose coupling

3.  motor or engine RPM's or horsepower are not correct

3.  compare pump requirements with data on engine or motor

3.  be sure engine is off the idle setting

 4.  internal damage or worn parts 4.  open pump end and inspect, replace worn parts
5.  high suction lift

5.  place pump as close to liquid as possible, max lift is 25 feet at 3,800 RPM

5.  keep suction line length under 25 feet, industry standard is 20 feet

5.  high elevation and high temperature can reduce suction lift

6.  too fine of strainer or filter on suction line6.  properly size strainer/filter to ensure adequate flow to suction port
7.  obstruction in suction line or impeller

7.  clean suction line or strainer, make sure lines are clear and valves open

7.  open pump end and inspect, remove debris from impeller area

8.  motor wired incorrectly, incorrect rotation8.  have electrician check wiring

Problem: Pump delivers insufficient flow

POSSIBLE CAUSESOLUTION
1.  suction line is too long1.  move pump closer to liquid source, industry standard is 20 feet
2.  suction line diameter is reduced

2.  suction line should be equal to or one size larger than discharge line diameter

2.  use rigid pipe or non-collapsible hose for suction line

3.  restriction in suction piping (valve, strainer, filter)3.  properly design and size piping components
4.  impeller is turning in wrong direction

4.  rotation should match directional arrow on pump or motor housing

4.  consult with electrician on proper motor wiring

Problem: Mechanical seal is leaking

POSSIBLE CAUSESOLUTION
1.  pump ran dry 1.  do not run pump without liquid inside 
2.  mechanical seal chemically attacked2.  check corrosion charts or consult factory for chemical compatibility of pump and seal components with liquid being pumped
3.  thermal shock from cold solution contacting dry running hot seal face will cause seal face to shatter3.  do not dry run pump, if necessary allow temperature to stabilize before re-starting pump
4.  seal worn4.  mechanical seals have finite life which varies according to liquid and application.  Frequent replacement of mechanical seals may be necessary based on specific application.

Problem: Body or housing is cracked

POSSIBLE CAUSESOLUTION
1.  Too much torque applied to pipe or hose fitting

1.  use 6 to 10 wraps of teflon tape or liquid teflon on all pump port fittings

1.  general rule of thumb is hand tight plus one full turn

2.  hydraulic shock

2.  avoid rapid shut-off valves

2.  do not drive vehicles over hoses while pump is operating

2.  slowly open and close shut-off valves

3.  pump left running with discharge valve closed3.  stop pump when discharge valve is closed or provide bypass line back to source
4.  pipe stress4.  use proper independent support for pipe and hoses to reduce stress/strain on hose fittings and pump body
5.  physical abuse5.  protect pump from impact damage, use roll-cage to prevent toppling

Problem: Engine/motor will not work

POSSIBLE CAUSESOLUTION
1.  engine / motor defect

1.  Contact manufacturer's authorized service center.

1.  Call Pacer Pumps at 1-800-233-3861 if you need assistance with finding an authorized service center.

2.  no oil or fuel2.  check liquid levels and add as needed
3.  on/off switch set to off3.  position switch to on
4.  fuel shut-off valve closed4.  open fuel shut-off valve