Thread: El cheapo coolant removal pump

Grahame
Years ago we had a holden red oil pump set up to pump out coolant from 15 lathes, 5 mills and a couple of surface grinders in one or the TAFE colleges I worked in. It was just mounted on a small, angle frame with a small electric motor driving it. Did a great job. I used to have to pump every machine out twice a year. As you say though, holden reds are starting to be hard to come by.
Some thing else to consider along with what everyone else has already said, is a pump from a dishwasher or washing machine. I know on some washing machines the pump body is intergral with the bottom of the wash tub but on others the pump is seperate. I'm assuming the same with dishwashers. The ones that are seperate usually have their own motor. You would have to encase the motor in a housing to protect it from liquid but thats not hard to do.
Something else to think about is once you have removed the old coolant, you really should flush the coolant system. You can buy coolant system flush additives or just use hot water with some disinfectant. With the systems as bad as you say, the first time you do this, it will be a big job, but after that if you keep on top of it its not so bad.
When I was doing it I used to scoop all the tramp oil and crud off the top first, then empty all the coolant. Then I'd wipe out what I could reach in the tank and then fill the machine with hot water and system cleaner, run the machine pump for a while then pump out again. I'd then leave it empty over the holidays and refill first day back.

With the quantities you have, you will have to dispose of the old stuff properly as well but I'm sure you alreay have that covered.
regards
bollie7

I have a plastic gear driven pump coming for around $20 or so ,but if I can get a red motor oil pump it would be less breakable that the plastic pump. Until you work with the kids you won't have an appreciation for what some of them do best - demolition!

Given we are situated in a semi rural area there a good chance that someone -i.e. teachers or students may have one in the shed or scrap pile. Even sugar farmers don't throw stuff away

I"ll see what a nicely worded request in the schools morning notices might bring.

We also have a recycle centre thats likely to have any number of old washing machines. I'' pursue that one if necessary.

The bilge pump would work but for the fact that it is submersible and its diameter unless less than 30mm precludes insertion and submersion.

Thanks again fella's for all the help and advice.

grahame

Originally Posted by Grahame Collins

Until you work with the kids you won't have an appreciation for what some of them do best - demolition!

I do. I work in a TAFE college. There has been nothing built/made that is 100% student proof. They consider it a challenge. Too bad they can't be marked on it.
bollie7

Originally Posted by harty69

just get a 59 dollar wet and dry shed vac suck it out in seconds thats all i do
bunnings sell em

now here is man who can think outside of a vacuum