when i got the "ASHTON" i couldnt wait to pump with it. mine is a darley midship two stage that primes from the engine with a mechanical seal on the pump. it leaked a bit but had no problem getting a draft. during the first winter i replaced all the bearings and the seal and freed up the staging valve. the following spring i went pumping and it pulled a draft rather quickly and was able to flow more than the pump s rated capacity. since upgrading to a 56-270 im tough to beat in fastest water contests.
i know how you feel. find a place to drop in your 4.5" or 5" hard tubes and have at it and report the outcome.
