Instruction Handbook PFP-13hpHND-EM-HP80
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C.E.T. Fire Pumps Mfg. This handbook is subject to change without notice,
Contact your local C.E.T. dealer or C.E.T. direct to ensure you have the latest version.
Problem
Probable cause
Remedy
The engine works but
the priming system
doesn't seems to be
able to fill the pump.
(part 2/2)
The pump is too far from
the water source
The volume of air to vacuum
is above the priming system
capacity
Always put your pump as close to the water source as possible. Having a very long suction hose will take
more time to prime and eventually overheat the mechanical seal. Never run the primer continuously for
more than 2 minutes.
A part of the suction hose
is higher than the pump
level
Air will get stuck in the
higher level hose section.
If possible, try to avoid having higher sections suctions hose than the pump level. Otherwise, close the
discharge valve as soon as the pressure drops and prime the pump again. Repeat the procedure to
eliminate all the air pockets in the hose, it is possible the procedure must be applied many times.
The priming system is not
maintained engage for
long enough
Only partially vacuums the
suction hose
Make sure to wait until some water comes out from the venturi before opening the discharge valve. The
priming time for a height of 10' (3 meters)
shouldn’t
take more than 45 seconds.
Faulty priming system
An accumulation of carbon
deposits or dust is
obstructing the priming
system.
Carefully dismantle the priming system, clean it up or replace the components if necessary.
The engine runs fine,
but the pump output
is low.
The restrictions or energy
losses added to the
system reduces
significantly the pump
performance.
The difference of elevation
between the end of the
discharge hose and the
pump is too high.
Reduce the elevation difference, use a smaller nozzle at the end of the hose to build more pressure (while
reducing the flow) or contact your local C.E.T. dealer for a more powerful model.
Old or malfunctioning intake
hose
It is possible on old suction hoses the inner liner rough up enough to cause friction loss and reduce
capacity. In some rare cases, the inner liner completely detaches from the outer wall making priming
almost impossible.
Restriction on the suction
side
Obstructed intake or strainer
Check the strainer if it clogged with leaves, algae, rocks, etc. Clean it up and make sure the end of the
suction pipe doesn't touch the bottom of the water source. We recommend the use of a floating strainer.
The pressure gauges
indications are wrong.
Faulty or damaged pressure
gauges or their tubing
connections.
Check the connections of the pressure gauge and make sure they are watertight. Also check if there is no
ice or debris blocking the tube. Check and test the pressure gauges, change them if necessary.
The pump maximum flow
has been reached.
Over the maximum flow limit
the pump will begin to
cavitate
Do not exceed the pump flow limit, cavitation will accelerate wear and damage the inner parts of the
pump.
