Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Shop Talk Petroliana Forums General Petroliana Discussion Pump cylinder rebuilding

May attempt to restore the pump cylinders on a Butler 71 visible if I can find some source(s) for seals, gaskets, etc.

Does anyone know of sources?

Thanks for any assistance,

Larry

Larry,
I've rebuilt many a hand water pump, one thing I do to make them work better than any of the farmers have expected. I hone the cylinders with a automotive style hone (ammco) this trick has them pumping water on the 1st pump, along with a good foot valve. Hmmmm maybe I just gave myself an idea???? tt

Larry, could you please keep some of us informed as to the progress on this job ? Ed Shaver

Ed,

Will disassemble soon (like tomorrow) and take some pics to share along the way. Don't really think it will be that difficult. The two brass pump cylinders will work much like a old-time hand water pump. Think it will be matter of cleaning and honing the cylinders and finding leather cups to fit the inside diameter of the cylinders. I don't plan to actually pump any gas, or other liquid, with it but would like for it to have the general feel of a pump when working the outside pump handle back and forth.

Larry

FYI, making leather seals;
http://www.lifewater.ca/Appendix_L.htm

Larry, exactly my point , it's the educational factoid ! Ed Shaver

Dick, thanks for the link on making leather cups for pumps. If I can't find the exact size, that site will be useful in making what I need.

According to original Butler Mfg Co. advertisment, this is a double cylinder (brass) plunger type of pumping unit. Fifteen full strokes fill the 10-gallon glass cylinder in about 22 seconds.

As one piston plunger is forced down pump cylinder A, a rocker arm mounted on the center shaft lifts the other piston up in cylinder B. So, a 45 degree pull to one side and a 45 degree push to the other side will lift two cylinders of gasoline. There is a foot valve (free floating brass) at the bottom of each cylinder and the same foot valve inside each of the two pistons which allow the pumping action to pull the gasoline up into the top tank. A cup seal is sandwiched into the bottom of each piston plunger. Not sure of the composition yet (neopreme rubber or leather) as the outsides of the old cups are completely worn away. Four small bolts will allow the bottom of piston to be separated from the upper part to insert a new cup seal.

Here are some pics of the Butler 71 pump before and after disassembly.

Complete pump unit.


Bottom of pump unit.


Disassembled pump unit.


Top casting showing two pump pistons and one of the foot or check valves.

Leather Seals & Graphite rope packing around the pump handle shaft.
Neoprene wasn't invented till 1930 & widely used till 1939.