Portable Pump
(Float-a-Pump)
Standard:
NFPA 1921, Standard for Fire Department Portable Pumping Units.
Indication: The Driver Operator may need to access a remote water source or may need to access
water from a static water source to provide adequate fire suppression or exposure protection.
Limitation:
Portable pumps require at least 24” water level.
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue carries several brands of portable pumps in both the
1 ½” and 2 ½” discharge.
Hale 2 ½ Inch Chief
C.E.T. 2 ½ inch
1 ½ Hale Floating Pump
Features and Benefits
This information relates to the 2 ½” discharge which has the following features and benefits:
• Direct drive single stage centrifugal pump
• Pump output exceeds 400 GPM.
• Self priming system
• Designed to be carried by one or two people to the site where they are to be used
• Positive-type rewind starter and an electronic ignition system
• Corrosion resistant aluminum castings in the pump housing and impeller let it run dry for a
very limited time without damage
• One 3" suction inlet floater and one 2 ½” delivery outlet
• A built-in screen automatically filters out any debris that may cause hose lines or
nozzles to clog
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Pump Operation 2 ½ inch Pumps
• Select an appropriate water source
• Place pump in water and start for fastest prime (pump may fail to prime properly if started in
fast idle position on shore first).
• Start engine by:
1. Opening the fuel valve to the "ON" position. (It is located underneath the gas tank
behind the gas-tank mounting bracket. If no shut off is present, proceed to next step)
2. Locate the "RUN-STOP" toggle switch and push the switch up into the "RUN"
position.
3. Move throttle to "FAST" position. (The throttle is located to the right of the
carburetor and air cleaner). Move the lever to the full right position.
4. Grasp rope handle and pull slowly until resistance is felt. Then pull cord rapidly
to overcome compression, prevent kickback and start engine. Repeat if necessary
with choke open.
5. After engine is warmed up, adjust throttle as needed FAST or SLOW.
(Minor adjustments to the carburetor and governor may be necessary to get pump
running to satisfaction).
Make hose connection to outlet with 3”hose
Check pump frequently for continued use
For extended operations, have additional gasoline on-hand for refilling
Caution
Do not submerse the muffler in water. May cause damage to the engine
Use a 3" diameter discharge hose. Pumps are low pressure/high volume. Anything less
than 3" diameter will restrict flow and reduce gpm output
Do not refuel with the engine running
Gas-tank holds 3 quarts, engine should run for more than an hour at full throttle on one
tank of gas
Close fuel tank cap vent when storing or transporting. Open fuel tank cap vent when
pumping
To Stop Engine
Move throttle control to "SLOW" position
Push the "RUN-STOP" toggle switch down into the "STOP" position.
Maintenance
Crankcase oil - SAE 30 oil
Use a lead-free gasoline (minimum of 77octane). Allow 1" or 5mm of tank space for fuel
expansion.
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Portable Pump Troubleshooting
Below are helpful tables to assist in trouble shooting portable pumps.
Symptom
Pump will not prime:
Systematic Order of Repair
- Check that hose is not kinked
- Hose may have some flat, compressed areas.
Squeeze these areas to open the hose and
alleviate back pressure.
Unit will not pump properly: - Check the intake for debris.
- Check oil, if there is water in the oil, change
it.
- Using hose smaller than 2.5" (63mm)
diameter will reduce output. Verify hose
diameter.
- If starting pump on shore, make sure idle is
set low when placed in water.
- If pump does not prime while starting on
shore, place pump in water prior to starting
engine.
- Check engine speed. Throttle should be fully
open. Engine speed should be 3600 rpm at no
load.
Engine does not start
a. Check spark plug wire.
b. Check gas level.
Too much oil or grey colored - Drain oil. Refill and run engine for about 5
oil:
min. Drain oil and refill. Continue procedure
until oil is no longer discolored.
- Next time pump is operated, check oil for
grey colored, if this persists, contact WFR to
have engine seal changed.
Pump no longer achieves
- Remove discharge flanges and or end plug.
manufacturer's performance Remove bottom housing bolts and separate
specs:
bottom housing from top housing. (You will
need to pry apart silicone seal.)
- Inspect impeller, bottom and top housing for
wear or damage. Replace as needed.
Note: Be sure to inspect top housing if impeller
has significant wear.
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