*#@*@&# Metric Pipe Threads

[RWEST]

So the fuel guy was by today, and I figured I'd have him top off my 55 gal barrel, since it looks like winter's just getting revved up. I have one of those hand crank barrel transfer pumps similar to this http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=45743 except it ISN'T NPT, like the one in that ad . After I unscrewed the bung and got the pump up out of there, I hear "clank", and see the bottom piece of pipe disappearing down into the barrel. There are two short pieces of pipe coupled together, and the bottom one unscrewed itself from the coupling. No idea why, since it just sits there, there's no pressure on it or anything. Ohhh, this is just great!!

Okay, no problem, I'll run in to the hardware store and get a piece of 1" threaded pipe and put it all back together. Oops!! BIG problem, it's not 1" NPT, it's some metric thread. Mutter, mutter...

Oh, well, at least I still have the original piece of pipe that's attached to the pump itself, so I can get about 2/3 of the barrel pumped out. Still frustrating, tho...

 

[studor]

Extendible magnet??

 

[radioman]

why not use a rubber hose rated for feul ? just clamp it on and you all set. no need to figure out the sizes/connections whatever. Once the you get the barrel empty later this winter, hopefully you can get the old pipe out.

 

[RWEST]

Extendable magnet??

Problem is, any magnet powerful enough to pull the pipe out will probably just attach itself to the wall of the barrel. Hmmm, maybe if I attached it to a piece of conduit or something!! I can just see myself beating the fuel to a froth chasing the piece of pipe around in there.

why not use a rubber hose rated for fuel ? just clamp it on and you all set.

I considered that, but wondered if it'll try to suck itself shut? Most rubber hose is kinda' flimsy...

Thanks for the suggestions. I really just wanted to whine/moan/complain, but I forgot how helpful everyone here can be.

 

[Sandlot]

Run a 1" NPT die over the threads and buy a 1" NPT coupling and some 1" pipe. A little teflon tape and you should be good to go. It's not like you have 150 psi on it!

 

[LBrown59]

I have one of those hand crank barrel transfer pumps similar to this http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=45743 except it's not NPT, like the one in that ad .
After I unscrewed the bung and got the pump up out of there, I hear "clank", and see the bottom piece of pipe disappearing down into the barrel.

Why did you take the pump off the barrel?



I take the bung with the brass fitting out to fill the drum instead of disconnecting the pump from the drum.

 

[studor]

I thought the magnet would stick to the barrel and not the tube but once you get it on the tube (which is fairly easy to determine it is the only thing that will lift) it will lift it out fairly easily -- don't ask me how I know

 

[ArTrvlr]

Run a 1" NPT die over the threads and buy a 1" NPT coupling and some 1" pipe. A little teflon tape and you should be good to go. It's not like you have 150 psi on it!

No pressure, but suction. So you still need a good seal or you will be pumping air instead of fuel, once the fuel level is below the joint.
jp

 

[LBrown59]

I thought the magnet would stick to the barrel and not the tube but once you get it on the tube (which is fairly easy to determine it is the only thing that will lift) it will lift it out fairly easily -- don't ask me how I know

I'd still like

No pressure, but suction. So you still need a good seal or you will be pumping air instead of fuel, once the fuel level is below the joint.
jp

to know why he took the pump off the drum??

 

[mrutkaus]

You know you can turn the pump the other way and suck fuel into the barrel.

Mike