Frequently Asked Questions
1. My pump is leaking between the cover and the casting. What should I do?
First try tightening the four tie bolts 1/4 turn. Use EXTREME caution as over tightening of these bolts
can break the casting. If tightening does not stop the leaking remove the bolts and examine the o-ring in
the casting channel and the cylinder edge for damage. A new o-ring may be required. See the parts
listing in the Service Guide for the part number of the gasket.
2. The pump capacity is MUCH less than when the pump is new. What's going on?
The pump is either developing much less vacuum then when new, there is an obstruction in the flow
path or there is a leakage in the suction causing air to replace liquid. Remove the four bolts attaching
the pump body to the inlet flange and remove the pump body. Check to insure the inlet filter screen is
not clogged restricting flow. Rotate the handle while holding your palm over the pump inlet, sensing the
level of vacuum developed. Little or no vacuum would indicate worn parts preventing the full vacuum
from being developed. Install the repair kit F1214 and retest. Significant vacuum would indicate
blockage or a leak in the inlet. The blockage or leak must be located and corrected.
3. Fluid is squirting out of the square headed fitting in the pump casting top. How do I stop it?
That "fitting" is the Vacuum Breaker and a critical component of your pumps safety system. Should the
hose and nozzle fall on the ground while full of fluid, a siphon action could be established. This could
drain the entire tank on which the pump is installed. The Vacuum Breaker is a one way valve which
closes when fluid is being pumped. If a vacuum develops in the pump, do to a siphoning action, it
allows the entry of air preventing fluid from being drawn out of the tank. If fluid is "squirting" out when
pumping, the valve is leaking. Either dirt is preventing the valve from closing or the valve is defective
and should be replaced. In either case remove the vacuum breaker and check for dirt or damage. If
damaged the vacuum breaker must be replaced with the matching replacement. See your parts manual
or the Parts and Technical Service Guide offered under Reference Literature.
4. I have to crank for quite a while before any fluid comes out. What is wrong?
The situation described sounds like a condition normally described as "loss of prime". The check valve
is designed to keep fluid in the inlet piping and pump inlet when the pump is not being operated. This
insures that fluid flows almost immediately when the pump handle is rotated. If that valve is leaking or
there is a leak somewhere in the inlet system, fluid will drain back into the tank., and "prime" will be lost.
The valve should be cleaned and carefully examined for proper functioning and/or the leak in the inlet
piping located and repaired.