Question
QUESTION: Good afternoon!
I moved into my house this past month and it had a system already installed, the timer is a hydrotek 2120 and the valve is a hydrotek 6000. I only have four zones and I have replaced a few sprinkler heads that were damaged. I have tried to get the system working numerous times, but the pump starts and then starts making clicking noise and then trys to pump again, and then it clicks. This cycle continues for about a minute before the pump shuts off, and I have to wait about 5 minutes before I can try anything else. I have tried to prime the pump (attached hose to faucet on system faucet and let it run until water seeps from the sprinkler heads). It seems to me that the pump is not getting enough water... but that is why I am here cause I cannot figure it out. Thanks for any help!

ANSWER: Thanks for your question.
A few things to check. Is the pump motor actually turning? Is the pump motor getting hot?
Most all motors have a thermal protection switch. If the motor can't turn or there is a problem with the internal wiring the motor shuts-off. This can also be caused from low voltage to the pump. The way it's acting I think this is the problem. The 5 minute wait is the time the thermal switch need to cool down before it will allow electricity to flow.
Since it appears you just purchased the house the pump could have been unused for a while. That does allow corrosion to "lock-up" the pump. I would check to see if the motor can turn, first. Usually, there is an access plate on the back of the motor. BE CAUTIOUS!!! It is also the area where the electricity is. Pump run on high voltage, if you unfamiliar with electricity, have an electrician do this. Beyond this, you will need to start checking the power supply.
I hope this give a little help, if you have more questions feel free to ask.

Matt

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QUESTION: A little update...
After priming each zone the pump comes on and everything seems to work. At least long enough for me to check all the sprinkler heads on that zone (most of them had good amount of pressure). After I primed each zone, I set the timer to the current time and checked to see what would happen. Of course it returned to the usual clicking noise. I checked the pump and there was not any corrosion that seemed to lock up the pump.

Would it be possible to remove the top of the zone valve and see if the pump is getting water? It looks like there is a check valve, or a valve of some type, that comes from the water supply (I am assuming that is city water since that is what the house has), would that cause any problems?

Also how hard would it be to update the system to a more modern type?

Thanks SO much for your time

~Kevin

ANSWER: This is one of those situations where a picture would speak a 1000 words. Too bad you can't send me one.
I have included a weblink to the hydrotek valve you have.
http://www.trustedpartner.com/docs/library/000060/indexingVlvs_6000series_techin This might help you to open the valve to check for water.
Since you have city water, the pump is a booster pump. It is probable you have a check valve before the pump and it could be failing causing the problem. This is where the picture would help.
Yes it is possible to replace the Hydrotek system with a modern system. You will need to dig up the Hydrotek valve and install 4 individual valves for each zone. And of course, a new controller. I've never been too fond of the Hydrotek system so that is what I would do. It is a possibility the Hydrotek is not functioning and causing the problem by not allowing the water to flow correctly.

Hope this helps, ask if you need more info.

Matt

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QUESTION: Thanks for yout help Matt! I think I will end up replacing the entire system soon, as finding any parts is nearly impossible. However, in the mean time I am going to try to find a local reatiler or store that has or can find the valve before the pump. I know a picture would help in this situation, but you have pretty much described the setup... pipe from the supply that goes to a valve of some type, and then to the pump. After the pump the pipe goes to the hydrotek valve, and then down to the four zone pipes. Thanks for all your help!!!

Answer
Good luck with your repair.
It would be best if you could take the check valve with you to the store for replacement. It is possible it is a backflow preventer, if so it could very well be the problem. They have some unique problems when they are connected to a pump.
Have you tried running the system without the pump on? As in, turning off the power to the pump the turn on the controller?

Matt