Beta engine : integral sump oil pump repair

[bluerm166]

Having had the usual frustration with this and turning to my Pela via the dipstick for successful extraction I finally discovered ,perhaps the obvious, that the plunger on the integral unit is near rigid in these typical winter temperatures ( 5 dge C) and doesn't bend against the smaller diameter washer during the downstroke as it should to allow the oil to charge the upper cylinder.
A test with a newly cut leather washer proved the point.I had previously thought that ball valve was the culprit ,as the the top of this can be struck by an apparently overlong rod on my unit.
I daresay this is common knowledge although I haven't found this specific note elsewhere.

 

[Malish]

Are you warming the engine (and oil) up before attempting the oil change ? Must admit I would not change oil at 5 deg C.

 

[bluerm166]

Yes ,actually yesterday,the engine was run for 25 minutes on fast idle and there was no problem at all using the Pela.
The isssue with the integral pump has been there for several years in varying temps .
The original valve material ,a rubber like disc with a central reinforcement mesh , has stiffened up over it's 10 year life,but of course looks perfect unless you remove it and manipulate it.
It happened to be colder this morning when I had another look after stripping the unit completely at home.
A bench test with the leather disc and cold oil ran sweetly.

 

[PetiteFleur]

Interesting - I usually change my oil before taken ashore but this year I couldn't do it for various reasons. I'll have to wait until I get back afloat before oil change etc. Can you get a replacement washer from Beta?

 

[jdc]

Interesting, and thank you for the tip.

My Beta (2203, 50HP) has a pump just as you drew, and is 21 years now but hasn't ever exhibited an issue. Maybe because the winter storage temperature is probably higher than yours (we are in Cornwall which is fairly temperate). But we've travelled to the high arctic and the tropics and so experienced temperature extremes, so I wonder if you've a one-off duff washer or an after-market substitute, or merely the old ones were better? Have you told Beta? I'm sure they like to receive feedback on QA for continuous improvement. Have the WoC number to hand when you speak to them...

 

[bluerm166]

Obviously not everyone has this same issue or there would be more reports on it.
You could try for a washer but I believe they buy the units in and would rather sell you a complete new one.
(As with my control panel which they couldn't provide except with the wiring loom after the original plastic backplate crazed and fell to pieces.A black aluminium mount plate was deployed instead of around £200.)

Easy to make washer though as they are a plain round disc .Leather should be good ( from an old belt or shoe) or even a piece of old welly)