Beginner’s Guide to Fuel Transfer Pump: Things to Look For

A fuel transfer pump can be very useful in many situations. As the name suggests it is a tool that will help in making fuel transfer easy for you.  It basically eases your job of transferring fuel from one source to another.  It can be very beneficial if you are planning a long distance trip with your friends. It can be one of the most beneficial investment but you have to be very careful while picking the product. There are innumerable options available in the market but that certainly does not mean that you buy transfer pumps without considering a few important factors.

A fuel transfer pump or a gasoline pump comes in a variety of sizes and shapes. A motorized fuel transfer pump can be very beneficial for the farmers and contractors dealing with constructions. If you have a fleet of heavy-duty vehicles or trucks then you must know the importance of having a fuel transfer pump and a fuel tank. If you are planning a long distance trip with friends, if you have a job that requires you to travel to various locations or if you love traveling then having fuel transfer is a must.  In fact, it can serve the purpose of the mobile gas station if you are traveling to a distant location.

How to choose the right fuel transfer pump?

While buying a fuel transfer pump there are a number of things that you must consider. These points will help you in delivering the best output out of your fuel transfer pump.

What should be the flow rate?

The flow rate of the transfer pump can be easily determined by the size of the fuel tank that you are planning to refill. The speed of transferring the fuel must be controlled. To help you decide what flow rate will work for the kind of transfer you have to do let’s have a look at the following points.

•    Low speed (50 litres per minute): Vehicles like cars, forklifts, vans that are small are best suited to be refilled at this speed.

•    Medium speed (70 litres per minute): Larger vehicles like trucks, huge vans, agricultural vehicles, and various public service vehicles are perfect for this speed.

•    High speed (90 litres per minute): This speed is basically advised for large capacity fuel tanks like coaches, busses, heavy plant, mining vehicle and articulated vehicles.

Different types of fuel transfer pumps

Fuel Transfer pumps

As discussed above, there are different types of fuel transfer pumps and they come in various sizes and have different flow rates. Most popular fuel transfer pumps are definitely portable 12 volts or 15 volts which is basically a fuel pump and meter combination.

This type of fuel pumps needs a suction pipe which is cut off from the bottom of the tank and screws into the pump inlet on the bottom of the pump. Generally, these types of fuel pumps are used in tractors, trucks and other machines that are driven by engines. These type of transfer pumps offer flow rates between 10 to 30 GPM.

Centrifugal Pumps

The centrifugal transfer pump is made up of materials that are compatible with the respective fuels. These types of pumps can either be straight centrifugal or self-priming, which primarily depends on the need. Most of the times the electric motors that are used in the centrifugal transfer pumps are explosion proof this is important if you want to transfer gasoline. These pumps come in various other sizes that range between 1-1/2 ports to 6 or even larger ports. Flow rate ranges from 30 GPM to 1,000 GPM.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is the edition for diesel fuel vehicles like trucks and various other vehicles. Pumps that use this type of additive are generally different than fuel transfer pumps. DEF transfer pumps must be constructed of stainless steel and must have pipe fittings. DEF must have hoses and a special type of filters designed for them.

Useful Maintenance Tips for Fuel Transfer Pump

A properly maintained Fuel Transfer Pump can efficiently serve your needs for years. Though you might have to make some minor repairs and replace some parts, which is necessary to keep it fully functional, you will not have to buy a new gasoline transfer pump for years be it a battery operated pump or an electrical fuel transfer pump. If you want to add a few years to the life of your gasoline or diesel transfers pump then you will find following tips pretty helpful: 

      

Fuel Transfer Pump Maintenance Tips:

• Before you install the pump on a diesel generating set, make sure that the model and specifications are correct. Start with removing rust preventive oil and then choose gasket of appropriate thickness. The gasket should not be too thick or too thin otherwise piston will run improperly. Tighten torque uniformly to prevent damage to the pump.
         
• Regularly check and clean the coarse filter core in the pump. Inspect strainer regularly and repair or change if it is damaged.

• You can find a rubber seal between the hand oil pump body and the hand oil pump piston. Inspect the rubber seal regularly but do not remove. Replace if the rubber seal is damaged.

• ‘Four spring’ is divided into oil outlet valve spring, oil inlet valve spring, piston spring and tappet (roller) spring. Ensure its elasticity for plunger oil transfer pump. Replace it on time if the elasticity spring is broken or weakened. You can also make adjustments by adding a pad to avoid damage to the diesel generator.
  
• Press back hand oil pump of the generator set after using. When the pressure between the rubber ring and hand oil pump is not tight, it causes leakage. Tighten the button in order to prevent it.

• Inspect every part of the diesel transfer pump after you have not used it for a long time. If you notice sag, wear, pocking mark on the valve surface or any other similar phenomenon, repair or replace the damaged part before it starts damaging other parts.

• Corrosion is expected when the diesel generator set is not used for a long time. Pump body, piston, the tappet and tappet body are most likely to fall victim to rust. So, take all necessary rust preventive measures. The lubricating oil in the sump of the fuel injection pump often contains water and other impurities. So, replace the lubricating oil on regular basis.
     
These maintenance tips might not be helpful if you buy diesel transfer pump of below average quality.  Therefore, buy the best quality Transfer Pumps in Australia.

Top 5 Transfer Pump Myths Busted!

Utility gadgets have made our lives a lot easier. From smartphones that keep us connected to screwdrivers that get us along with broken machinery, it’s hard to imagine the kind of life we live today without these utility gadgets. Transfer Pump is one such gadget that saves us hours of hard work and moves any kind of liquid from one place to another with the touch of a button. These pumps have become a daily need for people facing water scarcity and a handy help for the urban settlers. Although being a real time-saving option and a durable product, these pumps have certain myths surrounding them. 

We have taken these myths in consideration and provided appropriate clarifications after consultations with Transfer Pumps Australia dealers. Let’s see what they have to say!

They Can’t Transfer Thick Oil

This claim is absolutely incorrect as transfer pumps can transfer any kind of oil, from thick to thin. The myth has arisen due to certain low-quality pumps that are unable to handle viscous oils and give up after a period of time but if you go for professional transfer pumps, they never fail to transfer thick oils and neither is their transfer rate ever affected. Hence, this myth is completely false. 

Also read : Stop Siphoning Fuel With Mouth, It Can Be Dangerous. Use Fuel Transfer Pump

They Are Not Portable

This is too a sham statement as there are several models of handheld transfer pumps available on the market that can work as well as the industrial pumps. Many pump manufacturers have lightweight performance models that can easily take care of your transfer needs while you are on-the-go. These can easily fit into your car boot space or a pick-up truck.

Their Batteries Last Only an Hour

Transfer Pumps Australia manufacturers now offer newly invented transfer pumps that are battery operated. These pumps have a capacity to run for several hours at a stretch and never fail to complete the transferring process. These can transfer water, fuel, oil and many other liquids at a rate of up to 5 liters per minute. They can handle a volume of 80 liters in a single charge. 

They Get Stuck In Sludge

Gone are the days when transfer pumps got stuck due to sludge. All the new transfer pumps can take care of sludge without any problem while being energy efficient at the same time. Make sure that the liquid you are transferring doesn’t have solid objects in it such as bolts, nuts etc. Those can clog the working of the pump. 

They Are Not Preferable For Outings

As mentioned earlier, several handheld pumps now allow you to take them anywhere you go. This is especially important for long rides where you need to refuel after short whiles. Transfer Pumps in Australia are highly popular for this particular advantage among the long distance riders.

Simple Tips for Preventing Fuel Contamination

The performance of a vehicle or any other machine operating on gasoline can be adversely affected if the quality of the fuel is below par. Contaminants in gasoline have always been thorns in the skins of fuel handlers. The fuel needs to be protected. The value of the fuel goes down when it contains contaminants. Apart from affecting the performance of the machine, it can also be a major cause corrosion of the tank. 

Fuel contamination – Causes

Mixing biodiesels  

Mixing biodiesels increases the chances of contamination as biodiesels are easily oxidized. Reaction taking place between biodiesels and oxygen result into peroxides. This eventually results in the formation of acids. These acids further form resins and gums. Resins and gums can block fuel filters.  

Water

The prevalence of water with biodiesel is more than conventional diesel. People usually think that the water issue exists with ethanol only. However, biodiesel absorbs more water. The real potential of microbial colonies is surfaced when a layer of water is accumulated.

Apart from these two, there are a few other contaminants contaminating fuel such as:

Dirt

Rust

Sand

Usually, these contaminants are introduced when you are handling the fuel, for example, when you are transferring the fuel using a gasoline transfer pump.

Remedies

Contamination of gasoline is a major issue. However, this issue can be addressed easily. Following are the suggestions for fuel handlers:

Buy Fuel from a Reputable Store

Reputable distributors of gasoline take all preventive measures to address this issue. They turn over higher volumes of gasoline. Therefore, they always make sure that this problem is not passed to you.

Keep Tank Clean and Well Maintained 

Tanks require regular maintenance. It is important to clean the tank on a regular basis as rust in the tank can also contaminate the fuel. Even when there is no additive in the fuel, it can get contaminated when the tank is not clean and well-maintained.

Keep the Gasoline Transfer Pump Clean   

    

Contaminants like dust and dirt are also added when you are transferring fuel. Therefore, make sure that the gasoline transfer pump is clean and well maintained.

Filter Fuel

Run the fuel through a filtration system when you fill up the tank.

Conduct Regular Test 

Testing the fuel regularly for water and microbes will help in keeping this problem at bay. Prevent the establishment of microbial contaminates using biocides after every 90 days.

Contaminated fuel can damage the engine. Therefore, transfer fuel using a clean gasoline transfer pump, keep the fuel transfer pump clean and well maintained, and take the remaining preventive measures. 

How Much Does a Gasoline Transfer Pump Replacement Cost?

The gasoline transfer pump cost varies a lot. It depends on the auto repair shop you go or the type of vehicle you drive. Sometimes you have to go to mechanics or repair shop but there are some mechanics that are mobile and can provide you convenience by coming to your place.

What is gasoline transfer pump?

Gasoline transfer pump allows to quickly transfer fluids anywhere your jobs demand. Whether they are electric, manual or battery style, gasoline transfer pumps handle fuels like kerosene, diesel. Choose the right pump for an effective and practical fluid transfer solution.

Things to remember

When it comes to replacement gasoline transfer pump, there are certain things you should keep in your mind. Check whether fuel pickups, filters, electrical connectors and fuel pump relays are working perfectly or not. If it is not working properly, it can restrict the fluid flow.

The following are the ways to find out any fault in gasoline pump

·         Properly inspect fuel pump relay and fuel pump.

·         If you find any fuel pump faulty, replace it with another one.

·         Check car (especially engine) for any sign of leakage.

·         Test drive car

·         Go for basic safety inspection

The best way to find out any fault is to keep at least ¼ tank of gas in your car every time. If there will be low fuel in your car, it will make the pump harder and it won’t work properly.

With the help of some symptoms, you can easily find out the fault in the pump.

•         Car takes time to start

•         Loss of power when accelerating

•         Engine light is on and excessive whining sound.

How much does a gasoline transfer pump cost?

Generally, the cost for a gasoline fuel transfer pump replacement is between $425 and $685. It also depends on the type of vehicle you have and the area you live. The average labor cost is between $158 and $200 and average parts cost is between $265 and $450.  These are average costs and if you want to get an accurate estimate check the model and year of your vehicle. Replacement of a gasoline pump does not take much time and final labor cost depends on the hourly rate of the mechanic.