Bill,
I'm an American pump enthusiast, and if you'd like help getting yours pumping, I'd be thrilled to help out. Send me a Private Message (think you can click on my id and do it from a drop down?) and I'll get you my phone number.
I've got instructions for the Barton pumps. The UA50 is one of the simplest fire pumps to operate. I wouldn't worry too much about "clean ponds", either. Only problem with dirt and mud is it can make it harder to draft. But you're not likely to hurt the pump - they're made with drafting dirty water in mind.
-Michael
