Troubleshooting Chart - Sears 390.250251 Owner's Manual

SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSE(S)
Motor will not run 1. Disconnect switch is off
2. Fuse is blown
3. Starting switch is defective
4. Wires at motor are loose,
disconnected, or wired incorrectly
5. Motor is wired incorrectly
6. Pressure switch contacts are dirty
Motor runs hot and 1. Motor is wired incorrectly
overload kicks off
2. Voltage is too low
3. Pump cycles too frequently
Motor runs but no 1. Pump in new installation did
water is delivered not pick up prime through:
a. Improper priming
b. Air leaks
c. Leaking foot valve
2. Pump has lost prime through:
a. Air leaks
b. Water level below suction
of pump
3. Jet or impeller is plugged
4. Check valve or foot valve is stuck
in closed position
5. Pipes are frozen
6. Foot valve and/or strainer are
buried in sand or mud
Pump does not 1. Water level in well is lower than
deliver water to full estimated
capacity (Also
2. Steel piping (if used) is corroded or
check point 3
limed, causing excess friction
immediately above)
3. Offset piping is too small in size
Pump pumps water 1. Pressure switch is out of adjustment
but does not shut or contacts are "frozen"
off
2. Faucets have been left open
3. Jet or impeller is clogged
4. Water level in well is lower than
estimated
5. Motor is wired incorrectly
Pump cycles too 1. Standard pressure tank is water-
frequently logged and has no air cushion
2. Pipe leak
3. Faucets or valves are open
4. Foot valve leaks
5. Pressure switch is out of adjustment
6. Air charge too low in SEARS
Captive Air
Air spurts from 1. Pump is picking up prime
faucets
2. Leak in suction side of pump
3. Well is gaseous
4. Intermittent over-pumping of well

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART

CORRECTIVE ACTION
1. Be sure switch is on
2. Replace fuse
3. Replace starting switch
4. Refer to instructions on wiring. Check and tighten all wiring.
5. Refer to instructions on wiring
6. Clean by sliding pieces of plain paper between contacts
1. Refer to instructions on wiring
2. Check with power company. Install heavier wiring if wire
3. See section below on too frequent cycling
1. In new installation:
2. In installation already in use:
3. Clean jet or impeller according to instructions
4. Replace check valve or foot valve
5. Thaw pipes. Bury pipes below frost line. Heat pit or pump house.
6. Raise foot valve and/or strainer above well bottom
1. A deep well jet pump may be needed (over 20 ft. to water)
2. Replace with plastic pipe where possible, otherwise with
3. Use larger offset piping
1. Adjust or replace pressure switch
2. Close faucets
3. Clean jet or impeller
4. Check possibility of using a deep well jet pump
5. Refer to instructions on wiring
1. Drain tank to air volume control tapping. Check air volume control for
2. Check connections
3. Close faucets or valves
4. Replace foot valve
5. Replace pressure switch
6. Disconnect electrical power and open faucets until all pressure is
® Tank
1. As soon as pump picks up prime, all air will be ejected
2. Check suction piping
3. Change installation as described in manual
4. Lower foot valve if possible, otherwise restrict discharge side of pump
size is too small. See wiring instructions
a. Re-prime according to instructions
b. Check all connections on suction line, air volume control, and jet
c. Replace foot valve
a. Check all connections on suction line, air volume control,
jet and shaft seal
b. Lower suction line into water and re-prime. If receding water level
in well exceeds suction lift, a deep well pump is needed
new steel pipe
defects. Check for air leaks at any connection
relieved. Using automobile tire pressure gauge, check air pressure in
tank at the valve stem located at top of tank. If air pressure is lower,
pump air into tank from outside source until proper air pressure is
reached. Check air valve for leaks, using soapy solution, and replace
core if necessary.
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