Error after short prime cycle

If your Sta-rite vertical mse-7 pump will not prime, there are a few things you can try to troubleshoot the issue:

1. Check the water level: Make sure the water level in the pool or spa is high enough to reach the skimmer and the pump. Low water levels can cause the pump to lose prime.
2. Check the skimmer basket: Make sure the skimmer basket is clean and free of debris. A clogged skimmer basket can restrict water flow and prevent the pump from priming.
3. Check the pump lid O-ring: Make sure the pump lid O-ring is in good condition and properly seated. A damaged or misaligned O-ring can cause air leaks and prevent the pump from priming.
4. Check the suction plumbing: Check the suction plumbing for leaks, cracks, or other damage. Any air leaks on the suction side of the pump can cause loss of prime.
5. Check the impeller: If the impeller is damaged or clogged with debris, it can prevent the pump from priming. Remove the pump basket and inspect the impeller for damage or debris. Clean or replace the impeller as needed.
6. Check the pump seal: If the pump seal is damaged, it can allow air to enter the pump and prevent priming. Inspect the pump seal for damage and replace it if necessary.

If none of these troubleshooting steps resolve the issue, you may need to call a professional pool service technician to diagnose and repair the problem.

The normal procedure would be to unscrew the top of the inlet basket and fill that with water until it flow out down the inlet pipe, then replace the top cover. Make sure the skimmer box basket is clean, the pool water level is high, or put a fast running hose in the skimmer box to make sure the primed pump does not have to pull the water up from too low at the inlet.

If it will not pull the pool water in when started, then -
- there is a leak or blockage somewhere on the inlet side
- the pump impeller is damaged
- the filter is clogged too much and causing back pressure
- the pump power and pipe sizing are mismatched

Check for water flow / water flow restrictions / and water flow blockages.

Many things create water flow reductions: Dirty filters, plugged impellers, packed with debris baskets - both skimmers and at pump, closed to partially closed valves, air suction leaks: worn shaft seal, worn orings at pump lid or pump volute body, low water level, stuck skimmer weir blade/gate in the up position & skimmer empties and air is sucked into the system which may cause the pump to lose prime. This a problem that goes un-noticed and is hard to detect even by some service technicians!

Three areas that can cause low flow 1) the intake on the pool, if you are using the pool sweep basket feature, then undo the connection at the pool wall and you will find that the wall filter is plugs with fin bug particles that can not make it past the wall screen. Clean and replace the hose to the wall. 2) the filter is clogged and dirty, clean the filter clean the filter compartment and replace, 3) you have an air leak allowing air to enter the pump system causing air to restrict the flow of water. Check the hose connection for leakage, check to make sure the bleeder valves are not loose or over tightened, as both will cause an air leak.

Ok I''m assuming the pump is mounted higher than the water level in the pool. This means it needs to be primed. If everything is air tight, it should be self priming. Check to be sure your piping is open from the skimmer to the pump and not clogged. You can put a garden hose into the suction line of the pump and feel for flow coming up out of the bottom of the skimmer. If that is ok, then fill the pump strainer basket with water. Be sure filter is selected to filter. Make sure that the basket cover is tight to the cover gasket. After filling basket with water, quickly close the cover and start pump. If it still doesn't work, fill the basket again with water and check for any leaks. If the mechanical seal is leaking, it will not self prime. I'm not sure what type of pump you have, but Hayward has complete manuals for their pumps on www.haywardnet.com. Most pumps work about the same. GOOD LUCK!

Air filter?

Remove the strainer basket cover ... fill with water ... check the gasket ... replace if questionable ... close the cover and SNUG the top down. Start the pump ... it should run just fine.

If you are sucking air, tighten the strainer basket cover a little.

Still sucking air? You will have to find the air leak. You might plug the leak with plumbers putty.

please change you fuel filter,it may be dirty but you might have filter with a small leak may not be leaking on the ground but a very small leak that it can get air and lose prime

With the pump off, take out the pump basket and with your fingers
feel the front of the impeller you may have something blocking it.

please check your impellar it sounds like it is broken this is the part that really moves the water if motor is ok then it would most likely be this .

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Hi,

I think you have get air in the system, try to find a bellows pump or similary. Fill it with water, open the steam knob and take of the water tank, put the pump in the water inlet and press. When the water begins to flow, close the steam knob and put the water tank back.

Best regards
/Mirran