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TESTING FOR AIR LEAKS
Tests for leakage should be made with the suction hose attached and capped, discharge gate
open, and all other openings closed tightly.
Run electric priming pump with primer shut-off valve open, until 22" of Hg is shown on the gage.
The vacuum should hold for no more than 10" of drop in 5 minutes before satisfactory performance
of pump can be expected.
If excessive leakage of air occurs, the source of leaks can be located by shutting off primer motor,
with vacuum at its highest point, and listening for the hiss of air.
In the absence of a vacuum gage, the vacuum in pump may be judged by closing suction opening
with the flat of hand or a rubber pad.
Water or air pressure may be applied to pump casing to test for air leakage if more convenient.
DO NOT pressurize with air beyond 10 PSI
SOURCE OF WATER SUPPLY
Water may be drafted from a pond, lake, stream, cistern, stock tank, or well; but whatever the
source, the static lift must not exceed 20 feet from the center of the pump to the surface of the
water and a lift not exceeding 10 feet is recommended. The source of supply should be reasonably
clear and free from foreign matter. It is recommended that all water holes, which may be needed
for fire protection, be deepened if necessary and kept free from weeds and refuse. In many fire
protection areas, cisterns or reservoirs are built and allowed to fill up with rain water to be used in
emergencies.
PUMPING IN COLD WEATHER
The first insurance against cold weather trouble is to keep fire apparatus stored in heated quarters.
All water must be eliminated from pump casing and primer line between periods of operations.
When setting up for pumping, unnecessary delays should be avoided by having thoroughly trained
pump operators. Be sure that primer and booster lines are kept closed until ready for use. Having
discharge lines ready so that pump may be started as soon as it have become primed. Do not stop
flow of water through the pump until ready to drain and return to the station.
Engine Coolant from the engine circulated through the heater jacket in pump casing prevents all
ordinary freezing troubles.
WHEN FINISHED PUMPING
Drain water out of pump casing immediately. (Drain valve is located at lowest point in pump casing,
and usually accessible from underneath operators panel.)
Don't forget to close all drain cocks after all water has been drained out. Trouble in priming will
follow on the next run if this is forgotten.
Shut off cooling line to make pump ready for priming again.
If pump transmission is equipped with a transmission cooler it must be drained also. If the master
drain is located below the cooler outlets it can be connected to the master drain, if not, two
separate drains must be connected to the transmission cooler. Failure to drain transmission
cooler may result in water in the gearcase if water in the cooling coil freezes.
Prepared by: EAP
Rev. #3
Approved by: MCR
Date: 1/29/07
4
Revised by: JAF
Revised Date: 5/1/13
1200509
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