I can't pump it worth shit.

[PA Pride]

Got a pump for X-Mas and used in for the first time. I need some help.
Does there always have to be liquid running through the pump? How slow can the flow be? Will slowing the output compact a grain bed by causing more suction?
I saw somewhere that the output should be facing up. True?
Does the length of tubing affect the flow? My recirculation barely swirled in the kettle but i had 6 feet of tubing. Can you start the pump with the output completely off? What exactly will ruin a March pump? besides getting it wet and dropping it?

thanks
JDL

[BDawg]

1) Don't run your march pump dry.
2) Always orient so your input is coming from underneath and your output is going up. This helps get the air out by gravity so that you will be able to easily start the pump.
3) Never throttle back a valve on the inflow side, always throttle back from the outflow side. It is perfectly fine to run the pump with the outflow valve completely off (within reason, don't run it like that overnight or anything stupid).
4) Using a grant to come out of your mashtun before the pump will help and is actually preferred, but if you are careful to keep your outflow low you can pump fine directly out of the mashtun. The key is to do it slowly, and keep your sparge water above the grain bed so that it floats rather than compacts.
5) Tubing length effectiveness varies. I think I was able to get up around 8 feet or so, but I've also had it crap out at about 6 or 7. YMMV.
HTH-

[Mylo]

Does the length of tubing affect the flow? My recirculation barely swirled in the kettle but i had 6 feet of tubing.

Yes, the length, interior diameter, and how high up you pump it. The pump has to be below the top of the liquid, in order to prime. Many put it below the kettle - which is convenient - but not necessary. If you are having flow rate issues, then consider less feet of higher ID tubing. The high temp silicone tubing from B3 is a good choice. You will get a much faster maximum flow rate - if that is important to you.


Mylo

[BDawg]

Does the length of tubing affect the flow? My recirculation barely swirled in the kettle but i had 6 feet of tubing.

Yes, the length, interior diameter, and how high up you pump it. The pump has to be below the top of the liquid, in order to prime. Many put it below the kettle - which is convenient - but not necessary. If you are having flow rate issues, then consider less feet of higher ID tubing. The high temp silicone tubing from B3 is a good choice. You will get a much faster maximum flow rate - if that is important to you.


Mylo

Yes, I use the same high temp silicone tubing from B3 with thos 1/2" polysulphone QD's, so tubing resistance is pretty minimal.

[Henway]

Also be very careful to prime your pump and get air out.

I use the pump for the whirlpool wort recirc during brewing, so it is pumping back under the surface of the wort. I make sure I have the outlet in the air (ie, not submerged) when I prime the pump. Otherwise, it can't prime.

[PA Pride]

Thanks for all the replies. I do use the B3 high temp tubing (1/2" ID) as well a disconnect on the input of the pump. I had way too much tubing so maybe I will cut that and after reorienting my pump it will be more vigorose.

I'm curious, how do all of you 'non-sculpture' brewers mount your pumps? I was thinking of building a 2x4 box and mounting the pump on the inside. Any suggestions?

Also, how often should the pump be oiled? I used a nail to put a few drops into the oil holes before I ran it.

1 more, I promise. I noticed my male QD leaked. Do the female one's hold liquid or will they leak as well. I see on some opf the pics that people use males for the permanently mounted QD.

[BeerPal]

I'm curious, how do all of you 'non-sculpture' brewers mount your pumps? I was thinking of building a 2x4 box and mounting the pump on the inside. Any suggestions?

[TastyMcD]

Does the length of tubing affect the flow? My recirculation barely swirled in the kettle but i had 6 feet of tubing. Can you start the pump with the output completely off? What exactly will ruin a March pump? besides getting it wet and dropping it?

This doc may answer some of your questions: http://www.marchpump.com/documents/Installation.pdf

Tasty