Bomba

Holey Chit!!

It's been almost 3 months!!!

Had a few hiccups this year,

writing had some difficulty flowing.

However pics and projects haven't stopped.

Let's start with a semi-recent work project...

This was a super-leaky and almost seized 

berkeley water pump.

A dozen years ago they simply replaced it,

but the not-too-local shop wanted almost $2800!!

I'm sure a rebuild woulda been cheaper,

if it wasn't for the "lets hit it with a hammer to loosen it" situation.

The broken packing gland/housing is cast iron.

I tried stick welding with the special rod,

but access was limited.

The easiest solution was brazing.

Not the prettiest but it's dang strong.

The previous dissassembly was a pita.

I ended up cutting the shaft in pieces,

welded a bolt to the impeller section,

and used an impact gun to twist it out.

I couldn't resist some rattlecan wonder.

At the time it was in the 30's,

so the stockroom was heated up as a spray booth.

The assembly was a piece of cake.

The new shaft is stainless steel,

so it should last forever compared to the original.

The rebuild kit was about $600,

after time and materials,

this saved over half the rebuild estimate.

And I was able to fix a broken impact gun

while the paint dried.

The guys at work will never get new equipment!

The worst was yet to come.

Before installation,

a 5-gallon bucket of rust was scooped out of the tank.

I was trying to get out of this type of work,

by going to a cushy city job.

Oh well!

The plate shield had deteriorated to dust.

I hammered out a bolt-in screen,

hopefully this keeps the pump healthy.

The tank already had some rust through holes,

the thickness probably half in most places.

An experiment with a couple boat zincs

may stall any electrolysis from the mineral rich well water.

All wrapped up!

Let's see how long it lasts...

More soon!

TP