Whale Gusher 10 - How many pumps to prime?

[Yellow Ballad]

I have one in the lazarette but it takes at least 20 or so good strokes to prime. I replaced the hose 4m (ish) and strum box with a non return valve over the winter which didn't made a difference.

Once primed it pumps well, I'm not sure how old it is.

Is this normal? Or is it a case of pulling it apart and popping a rebuild kit in?

Cheers

 

[Motor_Sailor]

Just pull the diaphragm off the front for a start and have a look inside. There might be something preventing the flapper valves from seating properly.

If you are going to do a full overhaul, get yourself a stainless helicoil kit for M5 (? IIRC) before you start. The valves are held in with set screws which invariably seem to strip out of the aluminium casting when you try to move them.

 

[Yellow Ballad]

That's the plan next time I'm down at the boat, I just wondered if they primed within a few strokes or the 20+ is usual?

Thanks for the tip on the helicoil kit, I'll take mine down with me if I get a rebuild kit.

 

[Boathook]

I find that the non return valves do let the water back out after a while but they do help pumping in the short term.

 

[coopec]

Tom

It might pay to look at this YBW thread as the problem with the Whale Gusher 10 was discussed in 2010.

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?241914-Whale-Gusher-10-Mk-3-problem

Clive

 

[Yellow Ballad]

Great, not sure how I missed that thread.

I'll pull it apart next time I'm down the boat.