Hello - I have a Berkely SSHM-2 that I have been using for lawn irrigation for about 10 years.
I usually pull it for the winter and store in my garage but I forgot and tonight we will have a hard freeze (18F) so I drained the lines, but then to drain pump I mistakenly unscrewed the Re-circulation Valve instead of the drain plug.
In hindsight - everything in the manual says "DO NOT REMOVE" and no other information as to why this is such a no-no to do. I drained the unit but I don't see any information as to how to reassemble/install the valve and or any particularities about it when reassembling. (It looks like it will screw back in).
I have totally disassembled and performed an impeller rebuild in August so I am familiar with the pump side.
Questions:
Anyone know why the documentation says DO NOT REMOVE and is there any concern?
Is worst case scenario I will need to pull the pump body to access both sides of the casting to reinstall the valve?
Thanks for any help. FF
I see the warnings. If you pulled the entire assembly out as one piece it should just screw right back in. The picture shows all the parts that come in the recirculation valve kit. It looks like all the parts stay contained in the cap.
Maybe it's adjustable ? Doesn't really look like it. Looks more like a purge valve.
Almost like a tire valve..... but larger.
PJ - Thanks for taking a look. In your screenshot from top left the first 3 items and the fat o-ring is what came out when i unscrewed it. (Was too cold and dark to examine further tonight). In looking at the assembly details the lower left brass piece must thread into the casting through the bore but it looks like the only way to tighten it is from the internal side (unless it has a slot on the face we cant see). Maybe that is why the warnings. As tight as the black plug was to unthread im hoping the brass threaded piece stayed torqued in place. Possibly the warnings are due to preset adjustment you mention and if the black plug is screwed in too far it over compresses the spring and the valve wont open and it blows seals. Strike that as it has to be tightened to compress the o-ring to the flange face to seal.
I guess I'll find out when it warms up.
Last edited by FairwayFatty; 01-03-22 at 08:19 PM.
Reason: Comment
Hi All. I have a pedestal sump pump from 1978. The top of the motor says GE, but the tag on the pipe that extends into the pit says All Power Machine & Mfg. On the pipe itself, a few inches below the motor, there is a hole ion the pipe and following directions: "This unit is equipped with special oil retaining felt to prevent wear or corrosion of bearing. Note: Pour 2 ounces of oil in hole twice a year." I've had that pump for 26 years and just noticed that. :) Can anyone tell me what kind of oil to put in the hole? motor oil? Vegetable oil? WD-40? Something else?
I have had to remove my well cover frequently enough over the years to need a maintenance port of some sort so I can shock the well or add small amounts of chlorine bleach to the well etc.
My last well cover disintegrated after about 15 years of doing that and it is not a cheap happening. I think it is safer overall to not have to keep removing the well cover when I don't need to.
Thanks.
01-03-22, 06:21 PM
