Whale Flipper galley pump confusion

[Skipper]

-RESOLVED-

The boat has pressurized fresh water, but there is also a Whale Flipper galley pump MK IV GP0418. It's on the boat, so it should work. It's never worked since I owned the boat, so I cleaned it out, un-stuck everything, primed it, etc. Now it pumps.


The problem is that the outlet tube leaks at the outlet cap. So I removed the tube, and bought new O-rings (shown installed on the tube in the 3 grooves integral to the tube). The problem is that the new O-rings do not touch the inside of the pump housing. Huge gap, no seal. It looks like you would need very fat O-rings to cause a seal.

Also, the O-rings I found are nowhere near as big around as the ones in the Whale illustration (attached). In the illustration, it actually looks like the O-rings are big enough to go around the outlet cap. But that can’t be true, for then it would still leak on the inner part of the outlet cap where it contacts the tube.

Also, when I disassembled the pump, I found no Outlet O-rings in there, but a piece of cork instead (picture). I’m guessing this is why it leaks. There's no cork in the illustration.

Are the new O-rings supposed to be fat enough to fit inside the housing?

I can't find any instructions or manuals or forum topics anywhere, except for the attached illustration.

I've emailed Whale. So far they've ignored me. Probably have to stop laughing 1st, as I'm sure I've made some silly error.

Thank you,

 

[THECUSCUS]

Skipper, does the hand pump hose run directly to a water tank? On my boat, it runs to a valve that allows the pressure pump OR the hand pump to get water from the tank. That way the hand pump can't get into the pressurized side accidently. I'd follow the hose from the pump and see where it goes.

 

[Skipper]

Skipper, does the hand pump hose run directly to a water tank? On my boat, it runs to a valve that allows the pressure pump OR the hand pump to get water from the tank. That way the hand pump can't get into the pressurized side accidently. I'd follow the hose from the pump and see where it goes.

It has an independant hose that runs to the primary water tank. Doesn't touch the pressure system. In any case, the tube leaks at the inside of the Outlet Cap.

 

[Ron20324]

My local hardware has a vast section of O rings in the plumbing section. I'd be surprised if you can't find it there and not just look at West-ish?

 

[Skipper]

My local hardware has a vast section of O rings in the plumbing section. I'd be surprised if you can't find it there and not just look at West-ish?

Yep, that's where I got the O-rings I put on. Probably the same hardware store However, the O-rings would have to be very thick to fit and seal. It seems odd, like there's something else or I'm not putting this pump together correctly. So the question remains, are the new O-rings supposed to be fat enough to fit inside the housing?
I'm wondering if anyone else has rebuilt this type of pump, so I know I'm doing it right. No info online that I can find.

 

[Nereussailor]

A good plumbing supply store will have bins of o-rings in different thicknesses if you can't find at a hardware store.

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

The picture I found of the Whale Flipper parts kit shows a cork ring.

Picture at this link-

http://www.westmarine.com/whale-pumps--whale-pumps-service-kits-parts--P011_331_003_004

 

[Skipper]

The picture I found of the Whale Flipper parts kit shows a cork ring.

Picture at this link-

http://www.westmarine.com/whale-pumps--whale-pumps-service-kits-parts--P011_331_003_004

Yep, there it is. Well I'll be.

Anyway, I found the thick O-rings at the hardware store this afternoon. Now no leaks at the tube, except for then the handle leaked, but amazingly one of the previous O-rings fit in the handle, so now no leaks at all.

Hopefully this thread will help another who takes apart a leaker Flipper pump. Thanks to all.

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

LOL-I threw away the hand pump and installed a Whale foot pump.Ever try to wash your hands with soap and water with a hand pump?. With out getting the pump jhandle eitherr dirty, or soapy?

 

[Skipper]

LOL-I threw away the hand pump and installed a Whale foot pump.Ever try to wash your hands with soap and water with a hand pump?. With out getting the pump jhandle eitherr dirty, or soapy?

Yeah, it's kinda not good for that. However, it's good for drawing water from the tanks as a backup if the pressure pump gives out, has an electrical issue, or if the batts are dead. That's why they put these manual pumps in there even when there's pressure water.

I'd hate to be at anchor, or at sea, and have 60 gallons of water in the tanks that I can't use

I've even seen some boats that have a manual pump that can be switched to draw seawater, so as to wash, etc with seawater, thereby preserving the fresh water.

But you're right, a foot pump is a much better manual pump.

I've never needed the Flipper pump, but it's on the boat so it has to work.

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

I often cruise for long periods, on a relatively small boat. 38 gallons total, plus another 10 in jugs. Wouldn't have pressure water aboard- I've seen too much water get wasted that way.

Not saying you shouldn't have it on your boat, that's just me.

By the way- Annapolis is one of my favorite places to anchor- Up Spa Creek, by the park. Once in the 80s, and twice lately (last five years)

I LOVE the fact that they have the dinghy docks at all the street endings, so you can put the dinghy closest to where you want to go. Seems they care about the visiting boat people.