Kuulaire Model KA55 swamp cooler doesn't cool very well. Uses very little water.?

I recently bought a Kuulaire Model KA55 swamp cooler at Lowe's. I like the design and the operation, but it doesn't seem to have much cooling power. When the unit is on and the "Cool" button depressed, the air that it blows out isn't much cooler than the room air. I believe the main problem is that the cooling pad isn't getting very wet. I soaked the pad and took out the grill, and that seemed to help a bit, but not much.. I have the water flow valve set on MAX, and the little holes that allow the water to drop to the pad are clear. The pump seems to be supplying plenty of water to the pool above the pad. Any suggestions?