Have a Sta-Rite 1.5 hp Model #HMSF 1F - trying to get it apart to change seal- has been leaking and losing prime- four bolts hold the motor on- tried to separate there first but will not pull apart (maybe I'm not pulling hard enough) -- there is another set of bolts, maybe eight or so that holds a larger plate on- tried to pull apart there but no luck. Help

you must prime the pump with water after any pump repair. you might have a restriction in your suction line, i call it army man syndrome. it's were kids throw toys (army men) down the skimmer and it plugs the line ..army man syndrome. try reverse flushing the suction line

YES all pool pumps need to be primed, failure to do so will destroy the shaft seal AND could cause serious damage to the pump and motor. starving pumps is bad also. Make sure they have water, it makes them happy.

Did you change the seals? Whenever pump motors are replaced, the ceramic shaft (mechanical) seal should be replaced. Its also a good idea to replace the seal plate and diffuser seals.

COULD IT HAVE A SUCTION LEAK PULLING IN AIR? RUNNING BACKWARDS? BYPASSING INTERNALLY ALL THE TIME? COULD YOUR DISCHARGE HOSE HAVE A RESTRICTION IN IT SLOWING IT DOWN? HOPE THIS HELPS, JODY

a picture on how 2 remove sta rite , remember to prime the pump after any repair !.. the shaft seal used on this pump is a 100 or a 200 . i use pac seal mechanical shaft seals cost about 10$.. go kits are not required on 90 % of repairs $$

You need to change your pump seal. It goes on the shaft of the motor as it enters the rear housing of the pump. If it has been leaking for a while,and started to get really loud you might want to replace the motor while you got it apart.

Did you prime the pump? To prime: Before turning pump on, unscrew plug cap from top of pump (usually on pump impeller housing,) and with a pitcher or garden hose, fill pump full of water, and replace plug. Then turn pump on and see if problem is solved. If leaking: Are all fittings tight, O-rings and seals new, and is there any pipe thread tape on all threads w/o seals?