What am I doing wrong with water pump?

[gocards1177]

Per a different thread about watering my orchard via drip irrigation and a nearby pond, I purchased a 3" Duromax water pump model XP650WP. See below:

The pump is on a pallet on the shoreline. I have 3" PVC with a strainer and float going into the pond. Then I have two valves on the outlet, one of which is attached to 250' of 1" poly tubing with about 20-30 feet of head.

The pump starts pretty easily. I've used it on 4 different occasions. The first time it worked for 30 min as expected 3 weeks ago. The second time, last week, it would start and run for about 2-3 minutes and die. Restarted and died about half a dozen times then I have up. This morning it appeared to do the same thing but after the 3rd start I fiddled with the choke and throttle I guess in a way that it kept running for about an hour. Then this afternoon I tried to use it again and it was like the second time again.

It's a Chinese-made amazon buy, so the manual is sparse and I'm not confident what customer service ill get if any when I try tomorrow. I know it has a low oil sensor for shutoff but the oil level is fine. Any help out there?

 

[whistlepig]

Maybe the gas cap vent.

 

[crazyal]

I've heard that the spark plugs that come with the engines aren't all that great. You may want to replace it. Other than that I would check the spark when it dies. If you've got spark then it's most likely fuel.

 

[whistlepig]

What's it doing just before it dies? Is it misfiring? That would suggest ignition problems. Is black smoke coming out? That would suggest restricted air flow. Does it run and then slowly idle down until the motor dies? That would suggest fuel starvation.

 

[jinman]

I would return it and buy a pump at Tractor Supply Company. Amazon is good with returns. You should not be expected to repair a new pump. It should start and run perfectly. TSC is local and has good pumps. The one I bought from them has been flawless. Also, TSC offers a 2-year return to store program for a few extra dollars.

 

[gocards1177]

What's it doing just before it dies? Is it misfiring? That would suggest ignition problems. Is black smoke coming out? That would suggest restricted air flow. Does it run and then slowly idle down until the motor dies? That would suggest fuel starvation.

It just shuts off with no warning. No smoke, misfiring, or slowing.

 

[gocards1177]

I would return it and buy a pump at Tractor Supply Company. Amazon is good with returns. You should not be expected to repair a new pump. It should start and run perfectly. TSC is local and has good pumps. The one I bought from them has been flawless. Also, TSC offers a 2-year return to store program for a few extra dollars.

Unfortunately I believe amazon doesn't allow returns for items with gas engines. I look into that though too. Can't imagine what I'd do if this was for an emergency. I can always haul buckets of water to my trees if push comes to shove.

 

[whistlepig]

Sounds like a short in the ignition wiring. Or a bad shut off switch.

 

[hosspuller]

It just shuts off with no warning. No smoke, misfiring, or slowing.

I would suspect ignition problems. When it stops, remove plug, lay the plug on the case to provide a ground, connect the plug wire and try to start it. You should see a spark jump the gap. If not... Bingo ! an ignition problem. a bad switch or the coil failing when warm... even a bad plug wire.

 

[whistlepig]

....or a loose wire.