| Problem |
|
Possible Cause and Solutions |
| Pump wont prime after
three minutes |
|
Pump housing not filled with water. Fill pump
housing with water.
Static suction head too high. Lower the pump closer to the
water.
Suction hose too long. Reduce suction hose length.
Leaking suction hose. Repair hose or repair coupler seal.
Strainer plugged. Clean strainer. To eliminate debris
collecting around the strainer, set the strainer in a submerged
bucket.
Internal pump wear or damage. Perform a vacuum test:
Fill the pump with water and attach a vacuum gauge to the
suction port. Remove the discharge hose and start the pump. Move
the throttle to fast. The gauge should read at least 20 inch Hg.
If the vacuum is low and the engine speed is correct, there is
an internal problem with the pump (worn components, etc.). If
the engine speed is too low, there is a problem with the engine
(engine worn out, governor problem, etc.). |
|
| Low discharge capacity or
pressure. |
|
Maximum engine speed correct:
Excessive head loss due to restricted discharge hose or
very long discharge hose. Increase hose size and/or shorten
hose.
Worn impeller and volute. Pumping water containing abrasives
can quickly wear out a Honda general-purpose pump. Pump only
clean water or use a Honda Trash pump.
Damage and poor performance caused by cavitation. See
cavitation troubleshooting below.
Maximum engine speed too slow:
Engine throttle lever not in fast position.
Not producing maximum power due to worn engine or governor
problem. |
|
| Pump Cavitates (grinding
noise and impeller worn from pitting) |
|
The strainer also may be clogged. Keep the
strainer clean. To eliminate debris collecting around the
strainer, set the strainer in a submerged bucket.
Static suction head too great and/or suction hose too long or
too small in diameter. Always use the shortest suction hose
possible. Keep the hose diameter equal to or greater than the
pumps suction port. |
|
| Pump housing cracked or
broken. |
|
Vehicle ran over discharge hose. Reposition
and/or protect discharge hose.
Water left in pump housing and allowed to freeze. Always drain
water from pump housing after using.
Water hammer damage caused by shutting water flow off very
quickly (or driving over hose) with very long discharge hose
length. Shut hose off more slowly or decrease discharge hose
length. |
|
| Water leaking between pump
case and engine. |
|
Worn mechanical seal. Seal wear is usually
caused by pumping water containing abrasives, running the pump
dry, or shutting off water flow for a long period of time. |
|
| Engine does not turn over. |
|
Debris lodged in impeller/volute. Always use
the Honda-supplied strainer with the pump. |
|