My brand new Stuart 1/2” diameter ram, hand pump seized. It just got harder and harder to pump. Has anyone had experience with these pumps? I use distilled water, so dirt is not the reason.
Have you taken it apart and had a look?
I won't touch it until I see what Stuart says, since it is brand new. Also, I have no drawing so don't know how to get the ram out. I did put penetrating oil on the ram and that helped immensely, but I don't want penetrating oil in my boiler. Everything is riveted together.
Has a oring around the ram come partly off
They are very simple devices and the PMR ones are very simple to take apart, maybe look at changing those rivets out to something that can be taken apart for servicing.
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My brand new Stuart 1/2” diameter ram, hand pump seized. It just got harder and harder to pump. Has anyone had experience with these pumps? I use distilled water, so dirt is not the reason.
.
Hi Brad, If the pump is the one in your picture it does not look like a Stuart pump.
It looks like a well finished home shop built piece made from soldered tubing.
Evidently Stuart has started making these and sell as a package with a make-up water tank.The original style Stuart Hand Pumps are made from very high quality castings, have a 3/8" diameter piston, and don't have these problems.
If I had bought that from Stuart, I would return it and have them replace it with an original style cast body hand pump. I don't know of any that have failed including those over 60 years old.
This is the pump you need. (all built, of course)
https://www.stuartmodels.com/product/manual-feed-pump-unmachined/Best of luck,
Gil
I use Hot water heating and mounting paste -
this is a waterproof grease used in the assembly of water pipes together with hemp. In any case, use grease for your pump - not oil or WD 40. I use this grease also for all threads on and around the Boiler - they always unscrew.
Arnold
It is non toxic and heatable up to 375 °F - I think you should find a similar product in the US
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That looks like good grease, Arnold.
I use Keikaefer Marine 2-4-C synthetic grease.
Stands up to all wet environments.
It is a Stuart hand pump. Their 1/2” diameter ram pump. The one in your pic is a 3/8” pump. Look in the “built” category. I had a PM Research, 3/8” hand pump, that I built, feeding the boiler, but that is much too small to feed a 504 boiler. The 1/2” Stuart pump did the job well.
I oiled lhe ram and it did no good. Then I sprayed Kroil penetrating oil on the ram an pumped it and the ram loosened right up. I think I will bring the rivets off and pull the ram and use the waterproof grease. Thank you. That is a great idea. Does the grease attract dust or dirt outdoors at a steam show or rally?
It is a Stuart hand pump. Their 1/2” diameter ram pump. The one in your pic is a 3/8” pump. Look in the “built” category. I had a PM Research, 3/8” hand pump, that I built, feeding the boiler, but that is much too small to feed a 504 boiler. The 1/2” Stuart pump did the job well.
I oiled lhe ram and it did no good. Then I sprayed Kroil penetrating oil on the ram an pumped it and the ram loosened right up. I think I will bring the rivets off and pull the ram and use the waterproof grease. Thank you. That is a great idea. Does the grease attract dust or dirt outdoors at a steam show or rally?
No - actually not - at most superficially
After use I clean it up and refresh with new grease.
Arnold
Yup, the O-ring had rolled. I ground off the rivets ans pulled the ram. All is well now, and I will replace the oil with waterproof marine grease. Thanks for the ideas.