Creating a Lake

[EddieWalker]

It rained most of the day yesterday, so this morning was the first chace I had to get back down there. I looked really close at all the wires, but didn't see anything. They are all sleved and mounted to keep them away from the engine. No sign of wear or even touching any metal parts.

The fuel seems to be flowing out of the big gas tank really good. I pulled the hose to check ended up just making a mess. hahaha

There is no way that I can tell for water from the pump or hoses to get to the engine. The pump is on the side of it and nothing crosses over the engine.

I pulled the pump away from the creek about four feet to get the intake off the bottom. I don't know for sure if it was on the bottom, but it could have been. Then I pulled the cord and it started on the first pull. I opened the choke and it was pumping realy nice. In fact, it's pumping better right now then it has been in the last few weeks.

Could it have been the intake? Maybe. It seems to have made some difference, but I'll have to keep an eye on it to see if it keeps running. I have three days till the party, so I'd like to get as much water in there as I can.

Thank you everyone for all your help and advice!!!!

Eddie

 

[jamiec]

How much did it go up with the rain u have been getting? You said that it ws muddy everywhere so that must mean u got some good rain?

 

[EddieWalker]

Jamiec,

There is rain and then theres RAIN. This was just barely measurable.

The pump was running a little after noon, so maybe it was the intake, but I never went back down there when the rain started. I sort of got sidetracked on another project. hahaha

I'll update in the morning when I go check things out.

Thanks for asking,
Eddie

 

[firemanpat2910]

yes if the intake is restricted the pump will overheat. I dont know why I did not think to offer the suggestion of "floating" the strainer before. might have helped fill the lake faster. we usually use an inner tube or a bouy when we use our portable fire pumps.

 

[California]

if the intake is restricted the pump will overheat. I dont know why I did not think to offer the suggestion of "floating" the strainer before. might have helped fill the lake faster. we usually use an inner tube or a bouy when we use our portable fire pumps.

Are you sure that applies to this type of pump? (I assume it is a centrifugal pump.) My experience using similar centrifugal pumps on a gold dredge is that when the intake is clogged, it just spins at no-load governed speed same as a clogged vacuum cleaner. I don't see how that would stress it. It's easy to notice the increase from 3000 rpm (full load) to 3600 (governed max) that signals it is time to go clean the strainer.

We put the intake strainer in a ballasted plastic bucket if it tended to clog. I agree, suspending the intake from a float is preferable, if the water is deep enough.

The photo here isn't us, but it illustrates the type of use I'm talking about.

High Country News -- Hobby miners flock to public streams

 

[EddieWalker]

The pump was off this morning, which I sort of expected with the rain. It always dies when it rains.

When I started it, this was the first time it didn't start on the first pull. It took five pulls to get it started. It's been running all morning and I just went and check it and it's still running.

I don't know if the suction hose had any effect on why it dies, but I can sure tell the difference in how much water is coming out of it!!!! I'm kind of embarassed about this becuase I'm sure I'd have allot more water in there if I had been smarter about the suction placement. Oh well.

Eddie

 

[schmism]

hey live and learn right. if anything its just cost you a few more $$ in gas

so post up a xmas pic of the pond for us this weekend

 

[bmac]

Eddie,

Have you considered dismissing the Christmas Eve cut-off on the pump? Now that you have the water flowing better, maybe a in couple of more weeks and it'll be topped off nicely.

 

[Glowplug]

Have you considered dismissing the Christmas Eve cut-off on the pump? Now that you have the water flowing better, maybe a in couple of more weeks and it'll be topped off nicely.

Yeah, seriously! If it was me I'm sure I'd keep the pump running until the water surface reached the overflow. That's just the way I am. But I know you probably want to pack the pump up for your party guests.

 

[EddieWalker]

You guys read my mind. hahaha

Yes, I've thought about keeping it running, but doubt I will. It's a money pit that I'd just as soon not dump anymore cash into. Especially with rain being free and there's no reason to rush it anymore. It really looks amazing and I'm very satisfied with how it's turned out. I'm gonna dump the gas I have left over into my dump truck and find a place to store the pump and fuel tank. This little experiment is over. If I rated it on a scale of one to ten, it would be a 7.

I'm picking up ten bales of hay in the morning for the Christmas Eve Party and hay ride. The kids will want a test drive, so I'll take a few pics when we're down there.

Thank you,
Eddie