[captnslur]

I have a 11/2 hp redlion sprinkler pump pulling water from our lake through a 1 1/4 in black plastic pipe with a new foot valve and pick up filter.

When it works it throws water 20 ft or runs two sets of above ground sprinklers. Key here is when it works. The pump is new two days ago as is the rest of the plumbing. I can't get it to prime - I fill the suction hose with water and fill the pump using its priming port. I turn it on and it throws water twenty feet for two seconds and then peters out to a gurgle. I have the black suction pipe set on a continuous slope from the pick up point in the water to the pump. The pump with out the suction line attached has little or no suction.

Yesterday it ran for about 6 hrs but this AM it had lost it's prime and now with new footvalve and filter I cannot get it primed. What am I missing?