Sprinkler Pump Problem

My sprinkler pump was leaking so fixed the leak and now I can't get the pump to suck the water from the well again. The pump works and I can get the air tank to about 20 PSI by adding water through the prime plug while the pump is working. At about 20 PSI the water starts coming back through the prime plug and I have to close it. The air pressure stays at 20 PSI and there is no water coming from the well.
How can I get the pump back to work again? Here is a picture of my system: http://www.existonline.com/temp/sprinkler_pupmp.jpg

Thanks,
Jack

I don't have much experience with wells, but I see it's a jet pump.

As you know Jet pumps need water to function and will stop pumping if they suck air.

I am guessing that the check valve leaked air back into the well while the pump was being fixed.

I would run a hose pipe from the tank to the prime plug so that water flows in a loop and does not pressurize the tank. Keep the water flowing and the tank faucets open as needed and the pump might be able to slowly suck the air out.

In other words. it's hard for the pump to suck the air out of the well AND pressurize the tank at the same time.

You might be able to just go back to adding water to the prime plug as long as the faucets are open.

That is not a priming plug. Its a Suction Port. If you leave it out or loose, you are giving the Pump all air and it can't make a Vacuum. Put that plug back in with some Pipe Dope and use the Bushing with the Gauge in it.

bob...