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8. Troubleshooting
The troubleshooting tables below can be used as a guide to isolate centrifugal pump faults.
Refer to these tables when the engine fails to start after several attempts. If, after following
these procedures, the pump fails to start, contact the nearest Tomahawk pump dealer.
Fault
Probable Cause
Solution
Pump does not pump.
Insufficient priming water
Mechanical seal chipped or broken
Check valve damaged
Suction hose damaged or strainer clogged
Air leaks caused by O-ring damage
Add more water through priming plug
Replace mechanical seal
Replace check valve
Replace hose. Clean strainer
Replace O-rings
Discharge flow or pump
pressure too low.
Air leaks caused by O-ring damage
Suction hose or strainer clogged
Excessive impeller clearance
Engine RPM too low
Lift head too high
Replace O-rings
Replace hose. Clean strainer
Disassemble to obtain casing cover and
impeller. Determine clearance and reshim
as required (refer to Replacement of
Mechanical Seal)
Check RPM and reset throttle as required
Lower lift head
Pump primes too
slowly.
Insufficient priming water
Mechanical seal chipped or broken
Check valve damaged
Suction hose damaged or strainer clogged
Air leaks caused by O-ring damage
Engine RPM too low
Lift head too high
Add more water through priming plug
Replace mechanical seal
Replace check valve
Clean strainer.
Replace hose
Check RPM and reset throttle as required
Lower lift head
Noise or vibration
Faulty mounting
Pump/engine attaching parts loose.
Tighten as required.
Damaged vibration isolation mounts.
Replace mounts.