National Wildfire Coordinating Group

Pump – Fire, Portable, High Pressure w/Fuel Line

NFES Number: 
000148
Category: 
Small Engine Equipment
Updated: 
2017-05
Storage and Shelf Life Checks: 
Yes
Storage and Shelf Life Procedure: 
Date Last Tested (DLT) not to exceed 12 months.

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Visually inspect for evidence of use (dust, oil, starter seal broken), damage or missing parts.
  2. Return to stock if there is no sign of use or damage and date last tested (DLT) does not exceed 12 months.
  3. Refurbish as necessary if unit has been used or fueled, damaged, or shelf life is exceeded.
  4. Dispose of the unit if it is not economically repairable.

Refurbishment Procedures

A. Cleaning

  1. Remove dirt and oil, using detergent or degreaser as necessary.
  2. Use pressure washer to remove heavy deposits of oil and grease.
  3. Equipment should be serviced and test run as quickly as possible after pressure washing to minimize rust formation on metal parts.

B. Repair

  1. Check for loose and/or missing parts or mounting hardware; tighten or replace as needed.
  2. Inspect power-head (engine) for freeness of all moving parts, ensuring that the crankshaft, piston/cylinder and all engine bearings are not damaged. • Ensure over-bored Mark-3 cylinders are marked with actual size of bore
  3. Check condition of spark plug, air filter, and fuel filter; clean or replace as needed. • Re-oil foam air filter with “foam type” filter oil. • Replace fuel filter on Wick 375 engine at each service.
  4. Ensure Mark-3 carburetor shroud does not have a guard covering the high speed mixture screw. Either cut off the guard or replace carburetor shroud with a modern version without guard.
  5. Inspect exhaust system; make sure there are no cracks or leaks. Clean spark arrestor of excess carbon build-up, replace if screen is damaged. • Re-torque muffler bolts on Wick 375 engines to 18 lb. ft. at each service.
  6. Ensure all decals (operations and warning) are affixed and legible.
  7. Ensure “EMERGENCY RESCUE EQUIPMENT EXEMPT FROM EMISSIONS STANDARDS UNDER 40 CFR 1054.660” decal is affixed.
  8. Paint exposed metal on frame, cowling, and pump body.
  9. Check to make sure that all gaskets on the pump fittings/adapters are in place and functioning properly.
  10. Inspect Fuel Line Assembly, refer to the refurbishment guide for NFES #000113.

C. Test for Performance

  • Pumps are tested using: 1½” suction hose at pump intake and 31/64” discharge (machined square edge orifice). The use of a full bore 1½” shut-off valve will be necessary to test for maximum pump output pressure. Grade 1A liquid filled pressure gauges with 5 PSI graduation are recommended. Table 1 and Table 2 reflect minimum output pressures for refurbishing high pressure pumps as a function of elevation. A one foot lift should be used as a standard drafting height. 
Table 1. Mark 3 Pump minimum output
Elevation Shut-off pressure1 (PSI) Working pressure @ 31/64" orifice2 (PSI)
0 295 135
1000 280 135
2000 270 130
3000 255 130
4000 245 125
5000 230 125
6000 215 120

1Based on the formula, Pressure = -0.0129 * (Elevation) + 294.24
2Based on the formula, Pressure = -0.0026 * (Elevation) + 135.27

 

Table 2. Wick 375 Pump minimum output
Elevation Shut-off pressure3 (PSI) Working pressure @ 31/64" orifice4 (PSI)
0 355 150
1000 320 145
2000 305 140
3000 295 135
4000 280 130
5000 265 125
6000 250 120

3Based on the formula, Pressure = -0.0138 * (Elevation) + 334.7
4Based on the formula, Pressure = -0.0044 * (Elevation) + 148.75

  1. Ensure recoil starter functions properly. Check for damage or fraying of pull cord; repair or replace as necessary.
  2. Start pump and allow engine to warm up for two minutes.
  3. Ensure mechanical pump seal is not leaking, repair or replace as necessary.
  4. Ensure idle speed and low speed mixture screws are properly adjusted.
  5. Using full throttle set high speed adjustment by turning high speed mixture screw to achieve maximum engine RPM, then richen mixture screw until there is a drop in pump output pressure of 5-10 PSI (approx.).
    • Engine should be responsive and accelerate quickly. •
    • Ensure high speed circuit of Wick 375 will achieve an overly rich condition. If not; there is an obstruction in the inlet or the high speed circuit of carburetor, clean and repair as necessary.
  6. Perform shut-off pressure test at full throttle; note maximum pressure at full discharge shut-off ensuring pump output meets minimum standards as outlined in table 1 or 2 (above) depending on pump model.
  7. Perform pressure test with the 31/64” square edge orifice at full throttle; note working flow pressure, ensuring pump output meets minimum standards as outlined in table 1 or 2 (above) depending on pump model. 
  8. Use loss of prime method to test over-speed protection cut-out switch, adjust as necessary to manufacturer specification.
  9. Should any function fail a test, refer to the manufacturer’s repair manual and troubleshooting guide to correct the problem
  10. Allow engine to cool down for one minute at idle.
    • Remove fuel source and run engine until carburetor is completely empty of fuel
    • Remove all water from pump end.
  11. Lubricate pump head bearing with specified grease. If pump head is fitted with a sealed shaft bearing; ensure that the pump housing is marked/ labeled appropriately.

D. Repackaging

  1. Use nylon “zip-tie” to tie off (seal) starter rope to the frame.
  2. Attach certification tag that indicates date last tested (DLT), property #, and name of individual certifying performance.
  3. Ensure that all identification (property #, serial #, owner ID) is affixed and legible.

 

 

 

Page Last Modified / Reviewed: 
2019-02-26