Live well pump intermittent operation

[Albesaurus]

Trying to address all the issues before launch in May. I had a problem all of last season with my live well pump. It was the luck of the draw if it worked or not. I would say about half the time I turned on the switch it worked and filled the live well. The other half of the time it would not. I always heard the pump running. So it’s not a power issue.

I took the cartridge pump out and checked for worn impeller/etc. Nothing. Looks fairly new. Nothing obvious that I can see.

Any ideas before I just replace the pump?

[Tdelaney]

Try looking for a vacume leak between pump and hull.

[Tom Un]

Was it working when the boat was not in motion and stops under way? If so its a cavitation issue.

[Tree]

I find with mine I need to prime it or turn it on when the boat is underway to make use of the scoop. There is so much hose the water has to travel up it really doesn’t self prime all the time. Try turning it on first when you’re underway and see if that resolves the problem.

[Albesaurus]

It seemed to be underway or on a drift. Not sure actually... i agree its either not getting prime or a small leak. Such a tight area under the transom door.

Thanks guys.