PTO roller pump on sprayer (have a question)

[pharmvet]

I have a Wylie Defender 3 pt. sprayer (200 gal) I purchased it last year and used it on about 25 acres. I flushed it with water last year after using it and put some of the stuff used for RV toilets, drails etc in it and circulated it throughout the pump etc. to keep things from freezing and breaking. Im getting ready to use it again and in checking things out, I noticed that I cannot turn the pump shaft by hand. I think last year I could. Not sure. Anyway, should I be able to turn the shaft (on the pump) by hand, or is it not uncommon for it to be tight? Im wondering if I damaged my pump by letting the antifreeze solution sit in it all winter?

 

[BillBeyer]

I left the RV antifreeze in mine one winter and it locked it up also. Took it apart and cleaned the rollers up and the housing, some white grease and I was ready to go again. I still use RV antifreeze for the hoses and fittings, etc, but after I cycle the antifreeze, I remove the hoses from the pump and fill the pump up with cooking oil/vegetable oil. No problems since I started winterizing it this way.

 

[pharmvet]

Was it just "gummed up" or was it rusted/pitted? Also, do you feel I should do as you did and take the pump apart for cleaning, or just hook it up and let the tractor PTO get it going again? thanks

 

[Squeak n Itch]

Roller pumps, from what little I know have quite a bit of internal resistance. Mine did not spin or turn over easily by hand but did turn, with resistance, by using channellock pliers. Another way I check it is to put it on the tractor, ENGINE OFF, and turn the pump body by hand. Being able to do that has indicated to me that the pump function was OK and it performed well.

 

[KU Gator]

I use regular automotive anti-freeze in mine. I have used it for the last two years without problems. I put it back in as soon as I finish using the sprayer, even if there is no threat of freeze as a lubricant for the pump which I am pretty sure was what was suggested in my manual. And yes, the pump should turn freely by hand.

 

[BillBeyer]

I had to take mine apart and clean it. Slight pitting and gummed up badly. Still pumps good today.

 

[Bird]

I was fortunate enough to have a blasting cabinet (glass beads instead of sand) when I had to take mine apart and clean it good. It's actually very simple to take it apart and put back together. But after that, I too, put regular old automotive prestone anti-freeze in it and never had to take it apart again.

 

[jenkinsph]

I put a half cup of used tranny fluid in mine when storing. The used tranny fluid works well as bar oil for the chain saw too. I strain the fluid and put up a few gallons for these jobs when I do a fluid change.

 

[Wooddust]

I am in the spray business. All my sprayers and pumps are winterized annually and always use old style antifreeze. For protection against freeze obviously. BUT the little known part is antifreeze has fish oil in it. The fish oil lubes and protects all the seals, even diaphragms in electric pumps. I would never use RV antifreeze.

 

[JimRB]

My me too post is my pump was stuck one year. i took it apart and cleaned it up. When done I removed the input hose and squirted some Mobil 1 engine oil in it. No particular reason for Mobil 1 other than it is what I used in vehicles. When I went to change hoses after the sprayer sat for two years outside the pump still turns.