Manual Bilge Pump Refurbishing

[celiloman]

I have two plunger-type manual bilge pumps on my 1947 catboat that no longer hold their prime and in need of gasgets. Was wondering if anyone could help me out on sources for replacement parts or materials that would work?

Both pumps have 16 inch barrels (approx. 19 in. overall length) with inside diameters of 2.5 inches.

One pump was built by F.E. Myers & Bro. Co., Ashland, OH and the only other distinguishing marks on the other is a pennant flag with a "W" located on the upper casting. Anyone know what the "W" would stand for?

I have located the Myers pump people in Ohio and sent them an e-mail, but have not heard back as of yet. I did locate the classic marine site in the UK, but their barrel diameters were only 1.5 inches, so their refurbish kits wouldn't work. Sure would be nice to keep these pumps operational as they are classics on this boat. Meanwhile the Rule rules!! Ralph

[Stiletto]

I remember talking to an old farmer years ago that used to make his own leather seals for the piston pumps on his farm. Following his example I made one for a very old air pistol I had found, that worked quite well.

Basically a circle of leather was cut to a diameter larger than the bore of the cylinder, forced into the bore by a circular prod that left the leather cup shaped. The leather was then removed and reinserted on the piston with a brass backing washer with the cup facing the way the piston moved. The force of the water provided a good seal. He used to soak the leather with hot mutton fat to give some lubrication and promote longevity in the leather.

Some experimentation along these lines might provide a satisfactory result, possibly with two cups back to back.

[Dave Carnell]

Inner tube rubber makes a better material than leather. You can get it as 18-wheeler roadkill or from outfits that sell industrial rubber sheet. Come to think of it, I haven't seen stuff on the highways recently.

[nedL]

The pump with the "W" & pennant may be Wilcox Crittenden (?) They made lots of manual bilge pumps over the decades. As Has been suggested, the seals are leather or rubber, nothing fancy. (New auto inner tubes should be available form any tire store for only about $7, leather should be easy to find too, try tack shops(horse supplies)and custom leather apperal places. I think the biggest issue may be getting the pumps apart. If you can get them disassembled I'll bet you can easily figure out what needs replacing & how the pieces need to be shaped, then about 5 minutes with a pair of scissors & you can have new parts made. If the seals are leather you might even try softening up the existing ones by soaking them in something like mink oil for a while. I would also try coating the inside of the cylinder with a waterproof grease (lubriplate) and see what happens. I don't think I'd expect a traditional manual builge pump to hold its prime for more than maybe a day or so at best.

[ion barnes]

In this case where the pump will probably dine on oily water, leather is the only choice. Rubber inner tube will swell incredably and jam the pump. Ditto for neoprene.

[celiloman]

Thanks for all the help you folks! I was able to get the pumps apart and it does look pretty straight forward. Greasing the barrels up was something that I hadn't thought of and will give it a try! I appreciate all your thoughts!! Ralph