Keeping It Pumping

It’s time to pump it up — and out and over. There’s no time to waste when a job needs to be done. Things are flowing along just fine, and then it happens. Well, nothing happens, actually. That’s the problem. Something clogged or broke and the only thing pumping now is that vein in your forehead.

Maybe those pages about preventative maintenance in the pump’s manual would have been worth checking out after all. Those little steps certainly couldn’t take any longer than repair work, and it probably would have cost less too.

While it’s often the most neglected part of the owner’s manual, preventative maintenance checks and services can thwart major problems down the pipeline. Big problems tend to take longer, cost more and cause a big headache once that vein starts pumping. Performing some simple tasks on a regular basis will help keep a pump’s suction strong and the impeller rotating. The following steps will help you get the preventative process started before the next headache sets in.

Once a Day

Start each day with a pump inspection to ensure it’s ready to run. Checking the quality and level of the engine oil ranks among the more important daily checks. An insufficient amount of oil can cause serious problems and ultimately decreases the life of an engine. If the oil level is below what is recommended by the manufacturer, oil should be added until the specified level is reached.

Examine the engine exterior as well and look underneath it for evidence of oil or fuel leaks. If a fluid is dripping, inspect the area for any parts that may need to be tightened or replaced. Move on to check the rest of the machine for broken bolts or nuts or other loose parts.

Checking the condition of the air filter is another important daily maintenance practice that can prevent significant damage. A clogged, wet, dirty or damaged air filter can lead to a loss in power and shorten the life of an engine by allowing dirt or water into sensitive areas.

Also be sure to inspect the condition of the hoses regularly. If they are worn, frayed or have any holes, the air gaps will likely cause the pump to lose suction. Patch any frayed areas, seal leaking joints and ensure the gasket connecting the hose and pump is tight. A severely worn hose should be replaced.

The most important thing to remember for daily maintenance is priming the pump before
starting. Running a pump dry will damage the seals, which can start a domino effect of problems. When it comes to self-priming pumps, just remember to add water. The term “self-priming” may be considered a misnomer — the operator must add water to the pump each time it is used. The pump will then take over, build pressure within the volute and begin discharging.

One more thing to check before starting a pump is the area where it will be placed. Ensure the pump is on level ground. If it is set on a slope, the fluids will not be evenly distributed, which will affect oil lubrication and fuel levels. Position the pump away from combustible materials such as dried leaves and brush, since gasoline engines and mufflers get extremely hot and could
possibly spark and ignite the material.

The U.S.D.A. Forest Service requires a spark arrester on pumps operating in a dry or wooded area. Although it’s rarely a problem, a clogged filter on a spark arrester could prevent the device from operating as intended. Should it need to be cleaned, wait until the engine has cooled and then carefully use a wire brush to unclog the screen. Before reinstalling it, check for any breaks or holes in the screen, which indicates that it needs to be replaced.

Counting the Hours

Once the pump has been readied, it’s time to get to work. Remember, though, that other maintenance checks and services will still need to be done — just on a less frequent basis. Generally, quality pump engines can be expected to last a thousand hours or more. Following recommended maintenance schedules can increase that length of time.

A few things need to be checked a couple of times a month, other items even less frequently. For instance, clean the air filter semi-monthly by pulling out the paper filter (when present) and tapping it against a hard surface to remove excess dirt. Never use an air compressor to clean the filter because it can tear holes in the paper medium. If the unit uses a foam filter, pull it out to wash with soap and water. Add some oil to the filter and squeeze out any excess before reinstalling it.

Check the spark plugs semi-monthly by looking for damage or excessive carbon buildup. Fouled spark plugs can cause a decrease in power and poor starting performance. Clean spark plugs coated with a considerable amount of carbon with a wire brush or spark plug cleaner. If the buildup seems excessive, it may be a sign of a worn engine that could be caused by a broken piston ring, an incorrect fuel-air mixture or bad carburetor, weak spark voltage, a lack of air cleaner maintenance or an intake or exhaust valve that’s not seating properly. Check the electrode gap on the spark plugs, ensuring it still meets the manufacturer’s specifications and adjust as needed. Replace any spark plugs with cracked porcelain immediately.

Additionally, it is important to clean and inspect the fuel strainer and fuel filter every month on a pump equipped with these. Contaminated fuel that is not removed can lead to trouble with engine starts. Replacing the fuel line and carburetor is expensive, so it is essential to prevent unnecessary damage caused by contaminated fuel.

On an annual basis, inspect the pump for dirty, broken or misaligned parts. Such parts can cause problems with the engine or pump components. Thoroughly inspecting the entire machine gives the most comprehensive view of what needs to be cleaned and repaired.

Dusty conditions typically shorten the length of time between regular services since extreme dust can clog filter elements or contaminate fuel and oil. Adjust regular maintenance schedules as needed to account for less-than-optimal conditions.

Troubleshooting

Unfortunately, preventative maintenance won’t always stop every problem that might occur. Knowing what to look for and addressing it quickly will keep the problem from pumping up into a more expensive, time-intensive repair.

If a pump won’t turn over while pulling the recoil starter, the impeller is likely clogged and stuck. Simply remove the front of the pump housing to clean away the materials causing the problem.

Conversely, if the recoil pulls easily but the pump does not start, the problem is most likely the engine. First, check to see if the spark plug is fouled. If so, clean it with a wire brush or replace it. If it’s clean, connect it to the plug cap and ground the plug against the engine body. Pull the starter to see if the spark is weak or nonexistent. If a new plug doesn’t spark, the ignition system is faulty and will need repairs.

The engine might not start if the spark plug is loose — causing little resistance through the starter handle and a lack of compression — or if the plug is wet with fuel. If the spark plug is wet, it indicates the fuel system is functioning but the engine is flooded. Close the fuel cock if it’s open, then close the choke lever and pull the starter handle a half-dozen times to see if fuel exits the spark plug well. If so, the problem may be that the fuel is stale. In which case, it should be drained and refilled with fresh fuel. If the electrode is dry and fuel from the gas tank is reaching the carburetor, the problem may be a clogged carburetor fuel intake. Clean the chamber of excess fuel, reinsert the spark plug and check again. Take the pump to a dealer for repairs if these checks do not help in getting the engine to start again.

A number of other things could cause a pump to not self-prime. Start by checking for air leaks on the suction side of the pump; tighten the suction hose and fittings, if needed. On the pump side, check the drain plug to ensure that it has been tightened completely and inspect the gaskets and O-rings for cracks and twists. Insufficient water inside the pump casing will also prevent the pump from priming or cause it to prime slowly. If the engine speed is too low or there is air sucking around the pump housing, O-rings or gasket, consult a dealer for assistance.

All in all, preventative maintenance will help a pump achieve its full life expectancy — possibly more — and provide a better return on investment. Following specific timelines laid out in the owner’s manual will keep maintenance services from being neglected, which can start a landslide of trouble as the pump breaks, time is lost and repair costs add up.

In the end, all of these steps together should keep a pump flowing. If all else fails, there’s always the owner’s manual too. It’s practically as good as aspirin when it comes to easing any headaches brought on by a missed maintenance step.

Dale Gabrielse is a training manager with Subaru Industrial Engines, Wood Dale, Ill.