March Pump Problems

[bubbabrewer]

I've just outfitted my stand with one pump. This is my first pump and I'm having trouble getting it to prime. I'm wondering if I'm using the wrong size hose or if the pump is defective. The hose is the half inch ID silicone from B3 with quick disconnects. My connections are snug so there shouldn't be any air getting in but I do notice bubbles going through the lines. I don't really think the pump is defective but they sure don't pump very hard. I was expecting a pretty good pressure but I don't get that much of a stream even when I undo the receiving vessel and lay the hose horizontal. Any suggestions?

[Sent From My iPhone]

Try turning the head of the pump so the inlet is facing down and the outlet is facing up. The body of the pump can remain where its mounted. Should do the trick.

[Lars]

If you are seeing bubbles in the input line to your pump, you have an air leak in your system, and the pump will not work as it should. You need to make sure you are not sucking air into the pump or it WILL cavitate. So, do 2 things, re-orient your pump head, and triple check your lines for air leaks.

[BadRock]

I would triple check your QD's for leaks. They are notorious for leaks.

[Mylo]

OK, my turn at this... Before you hook up the output to your BK, prime the pump. I think Baltobrewer Jay said that pump head orientation doesn't matter. I'm starting to agree. You just have to make sure that the input line and the pump head is full with liquid before you turn the pump on. To maintain the prime, you have to make sure that you are not sucking air from anything upstream from the pump, including the fittings.


Mylo

[DaaB]

It sounds like you aren't priming properly.

Disconnect the outlet from the pump at the pump, open the MT valve and the pump outlet valve without the pump running.

Once you hear the case fill with wort or it starts to come out of the outlet, shut the outlet valve. The pump should now be primed.

Reconnect the hoses open the kettle valve, crack the outlet valve partially open and start the pump, once the flow has started open he outlet valve fully.

The pump should be reasonably quiet, if not there may be excessive restriction on the suction line or there is air getting in. Your hoses are fine.

[bubbabrewer]

Thanks for the replies. I'll give it another try.

[Sent From My iPhone]

OK, my turn at this... Before you hook up the output to your BK, prime the pump. I think Baltobrewer Jay said that pump head orientation doesn't matter. I'm starting to agree. You just have to make sure that the input line and the pump head is full with liquid before you turn the pump on. To maintain the prime, you have to make sure that you are not sucking air from anything upstream from the pump, including the fittings.


Mylo

I dicked around with mine for a while and found, at least in my set up, that with the pump below the BK and MT I got a better prime and was able to maintain the prime when the outlet was facing up. Your mileage may vary...