1969 Westfalia Water Pump Leaks

hambone · Post by **hambone** » Thu Apr 08, 2010 12:55 pm

What is up with the RV style manual hand pumps? After just a couple years, they all seem to either stop pumping or leak streams of water from where the handle meets the pump housing. I'm on my 3rd one. It works well, but is leaking a considerable amount from the handle.

Is there a fix for this? Does anyone recommend a certain brand of pump? The current one was purchased from Bus Depot; it has the typical handle but it's a bit longer and has a black knob at the end. It still pumps so I'd like to fix it if possible. Maybe a glob of silicone?

Post by **Amskeptic** » Fri Apr 09, 2010 5:52 pm

hambone wrote:What is up with the RV style manual hand pumps? After just a couple years, they all seem to either stop pumping or leak streams of water from where the handle meets the pump housing. I'm on my 3rd one. It works well, but is leaking a considerable amount from the handle.

Is there a fix for this? Does anyone recommend a certain brand of pump? The current one was purchased from Bus Depot; it has the typical handle but it's a bit longer and has a black knob at the end. It still pumps so I'd like to fix it if possible. Maybe a glob of silicone?

Have you discussed it with Bus Depot? They may need some feedback. I would optimize your replacement pump with silicone grease.
Colin

hambone · Post by **hambone** » Fri Apr 09, 2010 8:15 pm

It's probably out of warranty (!) but I guess it doesn't hurt to ask.
The handle is also wobbly. Must just be worn out. Junque again as it were.

Oregon72 · Post by **Oregon72** » Fri Apr 09, 2010 8:23 pm

I have the same problem on my manual hand pump sink, leaks a bunch of water around the base. I got mine from a local RV shop - they had it in stock so it must be a universal item for many RV applications. It was OK for about 6 months and then it started leaking. way irritating.

hambone · Post by **hambone** » Fri Apr 09, 2010 8:29 pm

Especially because it gets a lot of use.
The stubby handled ones hurt your hand after a while.
There must be a good metal heavy duty old fashioned pump that will last a while and not leak.

Oregon72 · Post by **Oregon72** » Fri Apr 09, 2010 9:05 pm

Have you used this one? Not sure if it has the same leaky propensity or not

http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-p ... r-pump.htm

This is the one I have on my bus currently

http://www.rvpartscenter.com/ProductDet ... 11&CID=377

hambone · Post by **hambone** » Fri Apr 09, 2010 9:53 pm

Junk junk junk. There must be a better pump.

hercdriver · Post by **hercdriver** » Sat Apr 10, 2010 6:45 am

Perhaps some water is freezing in the winter? Even if you winterize the system, I can see how there maybe some residual water left in the pump. There maybe just enough water left to blow a seal during a freeze.

hambone · Post by **hambone** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 1:14 pm

Anyone have success rebuilding one of these?
Probably not, this seems to be a late bay crowd with fancy electric pumps.

sped372 · Post by **sped372** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 1:37 pm

I've reverted to the even pre-early bay era and bring a water jug. That pump was pesky and the sink is nice for holding fruit.

Gypsie · Post by **Gypsie** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 1:38 pm

hercdriver wrote:Perhaps some water is freezing in the winter? Even if you winterize the system, I can see how there maybe some residual water left in the pump. There maybe just enough water left to blow a seal during a freeze.

Love this. Eggsellent logic. Lots of winter camping round these parts. The back check valve (Ballbearing on gasket?) would hold water some, perhaps long enough for the next freeze cycle. expanding water in a freeze is powerful stuff, (block cracking powerful).

hambone · Post by **hambone** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 1:47 pm

I think it's just wear, plastic on plastic heavy use for years. The handle (where the water escapes whilst pumping) is very wobbly.
I use the sink a LOT. Very handy for washing dishes and having fresh water on tap. Maybe these pumps are just too cheap for frequent use.

The same problem has also occured with other pumps of the same design and before freezing weather. I'm thinking it's a design "flaw".

sped372 · Post by **sped372** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 1:55 pm

hambone wrote:I use the sink a LOT.

Do you have the thingy under the bus that re-routes the drain to the driver's side? It gets wet enough down there from the icebox drip - a sink full of dishwater always made me envision stepping out the slider into a mud puddle.

hambone · Post by **hambone** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 2:00 pm

Usually it just soaks into the ground. Hasn't been an issue.
This thread shows the pump internals. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewto ... water+pump
It looks like the water just gets sucked into the chrome housing and out any "point of least resistance" including the faucet tube or any other loose path. So when the handle gets worn it provides a handy path for water to escape. Maybe I can fab some sort of grommet? But there is very little clearance between the handle and the housing.

Wow, look what I found digging around. Apparently this is an old problem!

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewto ... water+pump

hambone · Post by **hambone** » Tue Apr 13, 2010 8:24 am

This one is a bit heavier (and more $) than the other Rocket pump. But the design is identical. Different part # too...
Either it's better built, or the same part rebranded. How to find out?
http://www.amazon.com/Diversified-Woodc ... 167&sr=8-2

I have emailed both manufacturers. One claims to be US made. We'll see if they reply. It's probably the same pump.

Itinerant Air-Cooled

Itinerant Air-Cooled

1969 Westfalia Water Pump Leaks

1969 Westfalia Water Pump Leaks

Re: 1969 Westfalia Water Pump Leaks