Just figured out I was running the pump dry for years

Was out on a job near Lake Havasu last spring when the suction line started cavitating loud enough my deckhand heard it from the wheelhouse. Turns out I never adjusted for the shallow water during the dry season and was pulling air the whole time.

3 comments

3 Comments

chen.casey4d ago

Wait doesn't pumping dry just mean you need a better priming system?

christopher_wells44d ago

Better priming system" sounds like something I'd say to my dryer when it won't start. In my experience things that run dry just need a good nap and maybe a new belt.

cooper.phoenix4d ago

So you really think a belt and a nap fixes a pump that's been sucking air for years? Not trying to be a jerk but I've seen what cavitation does to impellers over time - you ever check yours for pitting or cracks? Because running dry that long usually chews metal up bad, not something a quick part swap handles. Just wondering if you actually pulled the pump apart yet or if this is more of a 'it still works so it's fine' situation.