Let's talk Pumps!

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Group to discuss problems with pumps or just to share information regarding pumps. Training of pump operators to deal with fire ground operations.
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non lubricating or synthetic oil primers

by Bob Franklin

Apr 2, 2008

As a pump mechanic, I have found several primers using the synthetic oil have jelled causing the primer to fail. The primer has to be disassembled and clean as well as the primer oil tank and lines. The non-lubricating primers, unless engaged frequently, will also fail due to the vanes sticking to the housing. Has anyone else seen these or other problems relating to this type of priming system?
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    Kristofer DeMauro

    The vanes used in the priming pumps is very simliar to the vanes used in the air motors of impact and air wrenches. It does not take much to gum them up. I wonder if we could use a lighterweight oil, almost mineral oil. The vanes needs the oil to seal. I have only had a few primer pump failures while pulling from a static water source. Most of them have been drive motor failures, too long of a cycle time. The idea of cycling the primers often would be a big help.

    Apr 6, 2008