WHEN a bushfire emergency hits it’s confusing, hot and noisy.
The last thing needed is a fire pump that won’t start.
One or more engine drive fire pumps are critical to any fire protection plan.
The Aussie Pumps’ Fire Chief is the best lightweight portable fire pump on the market.
It out features and outperforms all others.
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In this article, Aussie Pumps’ Chief Engineer, John Hales, runs through some of the most important fire pump maintenance procedures and covers some of the complications that could result from neglecting them.
The key is familiarity with how the gear works and how to use it.
Prepare for fire season
At the start of the fire season, it’s important pull out the old fire pumps and hoses and check everything is in working order.
If the engine needs a service, hoses are leaking or the pump won’t prime, it’s best to get these sorted before the extreme weather hits.
The Honda engine
The engine must start first pull and the pump work well during a bushfire emergency.
Regular fire pump maintenance will ensure that the pump is primed ready for action at short notice.
Familiarisation will reduce stress during final preparations on the day of high bushfire danger.
We hear horror stories of fire pumps on a third world engines not performing with leaking seals or even not starting at all.
This is the last you need when dealing with a fire with a fire emergency.
A premium engine brand like Honda will generally start first time, every time, but there are a few basic checks needed to ensure that the engine is in top condition.
It’s important to run the engine for a few minutes on a regular basis during the summer.
Bear in mind that fuel can become stale in just a few months and must be replaced.
Using a fuel additive can extend the fuel life.
Make sure the fuel tank is left full and that you have sufficient additional fuel, stored safely on site, for refills during an emergency.
Check the oil level in the engine and refer to the engine manual for the type of oil needed if the level needs topping up.
Aussie’s Honda powered fire pumps are fitted with Honda Oil Alert.
This means the pump must be on level ground to ensure the oil sensor detects the correct oil level in the engine.
The engine will not run if there is insufficient oil or the unit is on a slope.
Check the air filter is clean and there is sufficient air flow around the engine for cooling.
The pump … trust an Aussie
Portable fire pumps, like the Aussie Fire Chief, are self-priming so the pump chamber must be full of water before starting the pump.
This is done by removing the priming cap on the top of the pump body and filling it with water.
Replace the filler cap tightly before starting the engine.
Once set up, the check valve inside the Aussie Fire Chief will hold the prime between uses.
If for whatever reason the pump bowl is empty, it must be refilled.
Never run this style of pump without water running through it.
The water cools and lubricates the mechanical seal.
On starting the pump, the water in the pump bowl will be expelled through the discharge port.
The vacuum produced inside the pump will draw water up the suction line and the pump will self-prime.
The length of the suction and discharge hoses will determine the time taken for the water to start flowing.
A self-priming pump will not prime if there is an air leak in the suction hose or the strainer is blocked.
Check that the suction hose coupling includes the seal and that it’s in good condition.
The strainer at the end of the suction hose must be submerged deep enough that a vortex is not generated, but not so deep that it is resting in silt with the potential to clog.
Run the pump engine at full revs for the best performance.
If the pump is used for pumping saltwater, pool water or chemicals it must be flushed with water immediately after use.
Failure to do so can lead to corrosion of the pump internals and that can cause it to seize.
Check for leaks around the pump and hose joints once the pump is running.
If water is leaking from the back of the pump, the mechanical seal needs to be replaced.
For an Aussie Fire Chief, a simple Rejuvenation Kit is available that contains all the o-rings and a replacement mechanical seal for a full service.
It is easy to fit and can be done by any mechanically minded person.
Instructions on how to fit the kit and video guide are available on the Aussie Pump website.
Hoses and sprinklers
All delivery hoses need to be in good condition and long enough to suit the task in hand.
Sprinklers should be checked by running to ensure they are not blocked.
The suction hose must be long enough to easily reach the water source, even once the level drops.
Check there are no splits in any of the hoses and replace if necessary.
Right to repair
If your pump needs replacing but the engine is in good working order, then Aussie Pumps offer wet end kits to suit Honda screwed shaft engines.
Even if you have a Davey or Onga pump, we can supply a replacement Aussie Fire Chief wet end kit to fit a 5/8” shaft Honda engine.
Aussie’s Fire Chief wet end kits are simple to install, offer better performance, are more robust and are a much cheaper option than replacing a complete pump.
Your local Aussie Gold Distributor can assist with servicing the engine and retrofitting an Aussie Fire Chief (5/8” shaft) kit.
Maintaining and running your fire pump regularly are essential for safety during the bushfire season.
Hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
Free Aussie Bushfire Survival Guide
Further information on preparing a property ahead of the bushfire season can be found in Aussie’s Bushfire Survival Guide.
This free brochure includes a pump selection guide, details on setting up a sprinkler system and has tips for defending property and livestock.
Further details on pump maintenance and troubleshooting are also covered in the guide.
Aussie Gold Distributors … primed to help
Aussie Pump Gold Distributors throughout Victoria, like Marks Spray Barn, are set up with the Aussie range of premium fire pumps and have the expertise to assist with pump service, support and sales.
Check the full page ad for details or online at aussiepumps.com.au.
