Skimmer help

I have a PM Redline100 skimmer. It has the standard needlewheel pump. When the skimmer is shut off and I have to restart it I have to blow into the airline to get the skimmer to start working. It's almost like the pump won't even work without it. It's spins, but really slow. I have taken apart and cleaned every part I can. It works great once I blow into it.

When I bought it the original owner said he always had to do that.

Any ideas? It'd be nice to not have to do that every time. Thanks.

 

Stick the open end of the airline in a glass of r/o water and it will pull the water from the cup and clean out and salt deposits as well. This should get the pump started as with many other skimmers. Try it and see, it should work just takes a few seconds but you will hear it

 

Have you cleaned it with straight vinegar yet? That should help. Also, you could try and buy a new needlewheel. The blades could have worn down, just a thought.