Pump Question - Set up

[mtm100]

Ok so I'm a total noob here, forgive me for asking what I'm sure is somewhere on this forum, though I can't seem to find definitive answers. If there's a guide or good resource, please point me in that direction.

Here goes. I'm setting up my first keggle brew system and have pump questions. I'm probably going with the March 809, seems to be the standard. I'm looking for advice on how to set it up (ie, fittings, mounting, housing). I understand the pumps are not splash proof and it is recommended to be enclose them somehow. Is this actually an issue? Is there a consensus best option or at least some tried and true methods? Was thinking of enclosing in a plastic box (cheap toolbox?), but being mounted on my brew stand below my burners I'm wondering if that would be at risk for melting.

What about fittings? I have 1/2" fittings barbed for hose connection on my keggles. Do I need anything other than the same in plastic for the March pump? Elbows, ball valve? Are quick connectors worth it?

Please help me out! Talk to me like I'm dumb (i am) and don't know anything about this (i don't).

Thanks!

 

[Riclat]

Instead of mounting mine on my stand, I put it in a plastic toolbox, following the Brew Your Own instructions. Can always mount it later. I use 1/2 inch SS fittings. That or brass, not plastic. After adding teflon tape carefully tighten so you wont break the 809's plastic connections.

 

[OneHoppyGuy]

take a look at my photos for ideas on mounting
The motor should be mounted in a horizontal position but the motor rotation does not matter e.g. you can mount it upside down.
The head (pump end) can be rotated 360 degrees at 90 degree intervals and should be rotated so in is up. This style pump is a challenge to prime, so putting a drain valve on a tee coming out of the pump can be used to get the pump primed.

I hope this helps...

 

[bannonb]

Agree with the other responses.

Just be sure your oil holes are pointed up. If you mount the pump upside down, you won't be able to oil every several months (per the mfr instructions).

I've had trouble with mine and just oiled it. It would continue to run, but simply stop pulling a siphon. I hope this fixes it. I am now sensitive to the oil holes!

 

[mtm100]

Thanks for the help. I think the toolbox idea might workout pretty well, and I also like the idea of mounting it upside down. I'll let you guys know how it goes!

Another random question, how do you guys keep the pump clean? Take apart the head or just pump cleaner through it?

 

[OneHoppyGuy]

Agree with the other responses.

Just be sure your oil holes are pointed up. If you mount the pump upside down, you won't be able to oil every several months (per the mfr instructions).

I've had trouble with mine and just oiled it. It would continue to run, but simply stop pulling a siphon. I hope this fixes it. I am now sensitive to the oil holes!

hmmm... never heard of oiling holes. After reading this, I went and opened a box with a new March Pump in it. There was nothing in the literature regarding the oiling of anything. I'm not doubting you, I would like to know where you found that information and why it's not in the package.

 

[OneHoppyGuy]

Thanks for the help. I think the toolbox idea might workout pretty well, and I also like the idea of mounting it upside down. I'll let you guys know how it goes!

Another random question, how do you guys keep the pump clean? Take apart the head or just pump cleaner through it?

Everything gets a run-through with PBW and then Star-San on my systems.