Storing Davey fire pump

So now that the cooler weather has arrived I have put my fire pump away until next year, but because it runs pumping salty water from the river, it has a lot of salt build up in the pump body, I ran it today for 30 minutes just circulating fresh water in a big bucket which I put some soluble cutting oil in and there was heaps of crud in the bottom of the bucket when I had finished. So my question is: given that the pump body is alloy, should I store it empty and open? Or fill it up with something like diesel or vinegar or something to keep the air out? Any advice or knowledge of chemistry appreciated. Stay safe everyone 👍

Diesel will destroy the seals.
I run mine until the engine is hot, then do an oil change. Make sure there is water in the pump while you do this Don't run it after the oil change.
Drain all fuel from the tank and carby
Remove the top and bottom plugs on the pump. And leave it open for the duration.
A little trick I use is to drill and hole in the wing of the plugs and then use that to cable tie then on to the pup frame.
They don't get lost that way.

Hooroo

John.

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Originally Posted by Wimmera Jack

Diesel will destroy the seals.
I run mine until the engine is hot, then do an oil change. Make sure there is water in the pump while you do this Don't run it after the oil change.
Drain all fuel from the tank and carby
Remove the top and bottom plugs on the pump. And leave it open for the duration.
A little trick I use is to drill and hole in the wing of the plugs and then use that to cable tie then on to the pup frame.
They don't get lost that way.

Hooroo

John.

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Yes did the trick with the plugs years ago. Did the fuel that’s a no brainer. I think I fixed four or five of my neighbours pumps this year all had stale fuel and crap in them. Store it empty ok, hope I’ve got all the salt washed out.

Certainly removing the salt water is a bonus the housing is aluminium but it’s probably not necessary to fill it with anything. Aluminium boats and outboard motors use a zinc sacrificial anode but I have never seen anyone show that much love for a fire pump. Would probably recommend you keep the pump primed with fresh water as after all if you have a fire having it ready to go will save time. The mechanical seal is stainless steel, nitrile and ceramic so keeping it free of debris is important but it won’t matter wet or dry. Diesel would probably attack the nitrile in the seal. I’m no chemist but have sold my fair share of pumps.
cheers

Just for the record, vinegar will corrode aluminium. I leave mine empty over Winter as the others have suggested. Never had a problem re-starting. Those Honda motors are awesome.

mick

You could run some of this Salt Away Concentrate | BCF through the pump.