I have a 1/2 hp water pump, (Monarch Industries, self priming convertible jet pump) which our 3500 watt generator (Coleman Powermate) won't start. The water pump is a recent purchase, the genny started the old one with no problem. When we try to start it (with just about everything else turned off) the load is too much and it blows a fuse. Any suggestions? The generator will do two range burners, so I don't understand why the waterpump is a problem. Thanks in advance

-- Margaret (margerat66@hotmail.com), December 22, 1999

Answers

off the top of my head ----

The new pump most likely needs 240 volts to start, a 3500 Watt generator may only have 120 volt circuit... do you know?

Otherwise, you can probably still get an electrician before 1/1/2000.

-- Jon Johnson (narnia4@usa.net), December 22, 1999.

Its also entirely possible the pump is wired wrong or otherwise shorting out, its happened to me before---easily corrected IF you know what you're doing.

-- Jon Johnson (narnia4@usa.net), December 22, 1999.

First, find out what the starting amp requirements are for your new pump (preferably from the manufacturer). However, a 3500 watt gen SHOULD start a one half horse pump.

One other fairly easily solved problem is the line between the gen. and the pump. Is it big enough? The longer it is, the more line loss you get. If you get too much, the gen. is having to work harder to overcome it. The longer the run, the larger the wire needs to be.

Try putting the gen right next to the pump, if you haven't already tried that.

If this doesn't work, you might ask the manufacturer of the pump and of the gen. for advice.

Good luck!

Alk

-- Al K. Lloyd (all@ready.now), December 23, 1999.

Margaret, I just reread your question. You said, "...with just about everything else off". Try it with EVERYTHING else off. Earlier advice still stands.

alk

-- Al K. Lloyd (all@ready.now), December 23, 1999.

I'd vote for something being wired wrong. Our 4KW generators (Generac 4KW, and Onan 4KW which is derated by probably 10%? for propane) will both start our 2HP submerged pump.

-- Ron Schwarz (rs@clubvb.com.delete.this), December 23, 1999.

Margaret; Something everyone else possibly forgot is, how long did the well stay dry ,meaning without water being pumped??? Could possibly be that the slit from the old pump has now clogged the foot valve and the pump can't prime itself,because it can't draw water up to the pump ???

-- Furie (furieart@dnet.net), December 23, 1999.

I'd say check the output of the gen and make sure it's making enough voltage. You shuld get between 110-120 vlts. I have a homemade 3500 watt unit that will not start a half-horse pump on a 100 foot extension, unless I throttle it up to 117 volts. So check your voltage (if it's low you'll have to adjust the govenor (sp)), and keep extensions at a minimum.

-- Lee Chesson (lchesson@bigfoot.net), December 25, 1999.

Furie, even if the foot valve were plugged with silt, the pump would still be running, even though it would not be producing water.

Ron Schwartz, I'd sure appreciate hearing what brand of sub pump you have. I want to start using that brand. That pump has very low starting requirements. ALK

-- Al K. Lloyd (all@ready.now), December 28, 1999.

Thanks for all your help. The answer is ... the unit has a 30 amp twist lock, as well as a 120 duplex plug. Had to acquire a part to use the twist lock, but the extra oomph is what it takes to start the water pump. What a great resource this place is and you people. AKL gave the hint that helped find the answer - how many starting *amps* required. Thanks again. Wishing you all a peaceful :) New Year with heat and water.

-- Margaret (margerat66@hotmail.com), December 28, 1999.