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.
 
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