I’ve got an old hand dug well with a hand pump on it. About 2 years ago I replaced the leathers to get it to work again. I got a set at the local true value store, and it worked… for a while. It quit working at the end of last summer, and I’m ready to take a look at it again. I don’t think I did anything wrong when I replaced the leathers – I cleaned out the rust, and removed the old leathers, and put the new ones in. I just figured they’d last for more than 2 years. The old ones lasted for at least the 20 years I’ve been here, probably a lot longer.
Could the leathers I got been bad quality, or did I do something wrong on the installation?
Replies
My guess is that non use would dry out the leathers. Used regularly, they stay wet and supple.
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What I don't understand is why they quit working so soon. The usage didn't change from the old leathers to the new ones. Does anyone know if there is a big quality difference in the leathers, or are they all the same?
Try Lehmans.com - they sell that kind of thing, including new cylinders in case yours is rough.
Did the leathers wear out or did you just loose your prime. Yes I know good leathers should hold their prime. Sometimes, if the new leathers loose their prime quickly they don't stay wet long enough to soften up to really seal well.Let's not confuse the issue with facts!
When you cleaned out the rust, was the pump cylinder walls pitted and rough? This could abrade the cup leather and cause premature failure.
does this pump have checkvalves built in?
most of these piston type pumps have at least 2 of them (inlet/outlet)these are responsible for holding your prime as these pumps are positive displacement. check to make sure the seat of the valves is not worn and/or corroded or it could simply be some small debris holding one valve open or closed. if the piston cylinder walls are smooth replace your leathers. these should feel reasonably "stiff" when dry, once they take on water they will swell and retain water for months if they are soft when dry they will dry out in no time atall. if you have a manufacturer name you can probably get epdm or buna-n etc. packing seals. they have a longer life if pump is not exposed to too much heat.
hope that helps."the large print givith, and the small print taketh away" Tom Waits
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