Honda water pumps are known for their durability and flexibility through a wide range of operating conditions. However, regular maintenance is a must if you want your pump to continue running as advertised. If you have started to experience problems with your pump, use this guide as a starting point to troubleshoot the issue.
Low Output
If your Honda water pump does not appear to be creating the output that you are expecting or if it seems to be running much slower than normal there are a few things you should check. First of all, check the speed and throttle indicators to ensure that the throttle is turned up high enough. If the pump is set to the correct speed, next check your hose. A hose of the wrong length or size can prevent the pump from creating enough pressure to move the water. Try changing to a hose that better fits the pump if problems persist. If these simple troubleshooting steps are not enough to fix the problem, you may have a worn or damaged pump.
Grinding Sounds
If you notice that the pump is making loud grinding noises, it could be causing damage to your impeller or the pump motor. Pump cavitation occurs when the strainer is blocked or the suction hose is too long, preventing water from flowing freely through the pump. Check your strainer for debris and clean it before continuing to pump. If you are pumping clean water, this should not be an issue, but for chemicals or dirty water, a trash pump is better suited to the job.
Leaks and Cracked Housings
If you notice that water is leaking from the pump housing, it can be a sign that there is a flow problem on the output end. If the output hose has been stopped up, water pressure will build up inside the pump until the housing cracks or it separates slightly from the sump. This will create a leak and permanent damage to your pump. Make sure your output hose is not blocked or pinched to prevent further problems. If you are using your pump with abrasive chemicals, make sure to watch for worn or damaged seals caused by the chemicals.
Pump Won’t Prime
Under normal conditions, your Honda water pump should take about three minutes to prime itself and fill with water before it is ready to go. If it is not primed by this time, make sure your intake hose is creating enough suction to draw water in. Fill the pump with water manually and see if it turns over. Check the static suction head and make sure it is close enough to the water to create the initial priming pressure.
Pump Won’t Turn Over
If the pump is primed but won’t turn over normally, there may be something lodged in the impeller blades. Open up the pump to clean out the area around the blades and ensure they can spin freely. Always make sure you are using the right kind of pump for the type of water or chemicals you are working with otherwise your pump will sustain abnormal wear and tear.
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