Vintage Craftsman pump rebuild...

[GR14]

We have been using this Craftsman pump to pump water from a lake to a garden for 50+ years. It can now only push the water about halfway up the hill, maybe 300-400 feet.

The motor is smooth and quiet and seems very strong. I am guessing the pump/impeller is worn. Does anyone know where to look for parts or information on this pump? I can't seem to find much at all.

Thanks!

 

[nadogail]

IMHO, With the current state of affairs with Sears, I would check around and see if you can find an independent pump shop in your area that has a good reputation.

Many pump parts are replaceable with easily adapted generic parts.

 

[stonesfan68]

I don't know that the impeller would wear out. How is the pump seal?

 

[GR14]

There are no leaks. This is probably the first time I have come up empty in an internet search. No parts or diagrams. Not even a picture of a similar pump. If anyone documented a rebuild of one of these, it would be a Garage Journal member.

 

[kbs2244]

You cannot find who made it for Sears?
If not, I vote for finding a local shop.

 

[GR14]

It is made by A.O. Smith. I was unable to find any shops local to me that do this type of work.

 

[yatg]

You posted a typical Craigslist ad. Bad picture, no real info.

The picture orientation makes it looks like its mounted vertical. Are we looking down at it in a pump box or pit or something?

What kind of pump (most likely centrif)? HP? Sears part number? Even better would be a clear picture of the nameplate and a clear picture of the label which has what looks like half a "b" on it.

You can't find a pump repair place within driving distance? Please update your location, at least state/prov, in your profile.

 

[yeldogt]

AO Smith may just be the motor

 

[My Old Tools]

There are probably 20 shops around here that repair pumps. A O Smith is a national firm that everyone works on. Where are you located?

Is this it?
https://www.lockewell.com/index.php...N6S-iyrmhS9gf9fGiFX5df8Mbsd73SUxoCqT8QAvD_BwE

 

[GR14]

I am near the Canadian border. Nearest shop I found was about 150 miles away. My cabin is even more remote. When I get back there I will pull the pump out and get better photos.

It is similar to that one, but not the same.

 

[CJ7VFR]

Did this issue just start happening? Or did it come on gradually over the course of several years?

Check the water lines to see if they are either clogged up, or if something recently got into the pipes and slowed down the water flow/volume.

Checking the lines, at least where you can get to them, is free, and costs you nothing, and may just point out the issue.

Jim

 

[TractorJeff]

That should be setup with a check valve in the water. You may chaeck that and the pickup screen. Now that I said that, if you are pushing water from the lake to the cabin. Then indeed the impeller may be worn too much to do the job. But that would have / should have came on gradual? It it is truly old the impeller to shaft pin may have failed or having iron impellers, enough blades could have eroded/sheared off to cause the pump to fail immediately. I know JG members like to "Fix" things but have you considered just replacing?

 

[redmondjp]

I would bet dollars to donuts that it is one of two things:

1) suction strainer on the foot valve clogged up with debris, or
2) crack in the suction line (more likely IMO) causing pump to draw air in along with the water

Are you using black poly pipe on the suction line that is 50 years old? If so, time to replace it, it's lived a long and productive life. It gets old, brittle, and cracks. Been there, seen it, got the T-shirt. Not worth trying to repair as it will crack again a foot away from your last repair.

Check for these before tearing into that pump.