We spoke on the phone
Pursuant to our phone discussion, this is a fairly common problem during spring commissioning. It is almost always due to improper winterization. A little water remains in the intake shutoff valve (Flush/dry flush valve). When this water freezes, it forces the intake check valve (black rubber ball #1201) down into the intake water port of the pump, sealing it off completely. You get a springing, bouncing action when trying to pump the head, and sometimes the handle will want to bounce back and hit you in the "snoot". The black rubber ball must be removed from the intake water passage, then replaced with a new one. This is accomplished by removing the intake valve cap 1204B (with water pump pliers), and the intake valve body and handle, as an assembly. Next, remove the stainless steel spring (LWS) and check the black rubber ball (1201). It should be loose, beneath the spring. If it has been forced down into the water passage, it'll have to be driven out with a hammer and dowel. Then, because the ball will most likely be chewed up during this process, the ball wil need to be replaced. When re-installing the intake valve assembly, (spring goes in small-end-down) be sure that the valve handle will only turn 1/4 turn. If it will turn 3/4 turn, remove the handle and rotate the valve stem as necessary with a pair of pliers, until the handle, when re-installed, will only turn 1/4 turn. This is crucial to the proper operation of the head. To avoid this happening in the future, insure that the head is winterized properly. Turn off the supply water seacock. Remove the supply water hose from the front of the pump and replace it with a temporary hose, one end connected to the pump; the other end in your jug of anti-freeze. Pump the head until about a half gallon of anti-freeze has been pumped through it, then remove the temporary hose and leave the head like that until spring, with the seacock staying shut off. In the spring, re-connect the hose to the front of the head, and open the seacock. You should then be good to go.
