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Hey guys i have a few questions i have a 55' International R-185 with a UA-50 Front mount pump with an americann battle creek body if that sounds right..i cant remember exactly off hand.. anyway im having problems getting a prime.. on my prime lever i pull it and it only comes out 1/2 inch i wasnt sure if thats normal. and also i am not fimlar with this type of pump does this take oil and if so how mcuh and where do i add it.. im sure there will be pictures and more questions to come thanks guys

welcome to the bolt, sure would like to see a pix of your big binder...........not sure how many here know much about the International but..............might be someone.. they sure
know a lot about chevy's though

I love hot rod fire trucks
click here and check this baby out

Blainejr

You have a Barton American front mount pump (which is part of the same company as your American Fire Apparatus body).

Your primer should be mounted in the engine bay, most likely on the firewall.

Here is a link to a picture of the internals of the American primer:

Barton American Primer

ya thats the primer im looking at sorry im a little new on here and its taking me alittle while to figure the workings on the site. i do have an IH but i also have some chevys... you could say im an "equal opportunity collector" ranging from motorcylces to trucks n cars. but the main thing im trying to get to work is the "draft" on the pump it seems i cant "pick" one up.. i looked at the diagram and i cant see (lack of glasses) where or if the primer takes oil. or even if thats my problem. so im asking for a little kick in the right direction thats guys

No oil required for this primer.

The Barton primer is powered by engine vacuum. Most problems with draft pickup and Barton front mount pumps are related to vacuum leaks.

ah ok i saw most of the lines seemed in good condition.. should i do the old soapy solution test.. and if so where are key areas other than aroundthe primer and here also is a picture of the truck ill upload more tomarrow <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61972022@N07/5639135859/" title="15351_193032112806_599292806_3184685_2513501_n by blaineiford, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5104/5639135859_1143bc1de9.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="15351_193032112806_599292806_3184685_2513501_n"></a>

The soapy water test does not work well for finding a vacuum leak since the direction of the air leak will be from outside to inside. I use a small propane plumbing torch with a plastic hose attached to the end. Open the propane valve and them run the hose outlet over any spots which might leak. If there is a leak the propane should be pulling into the engine intake and you should hear a change in engine RPM. You can also use carb cleaner instead of propane, but I find the carb cleaner to be more volatile because of the spay/mist.

I got one of your links to work. That is a cool truck! I like old Binders as much as old Bolts!

ok guys thanks alot i really appreicate all the information. im going to go give it a shot today n see what we can do.. thanks again

Blainejr,

One thing you can do is hook up shop air to the pump. Put all the caps on tight, close ALL the valves and drains, and adapt one of the pressure gage fittings to shop air (you don't really need a lot of pressure - volume is more help - 50 lbs. would be fine) With the engine off, and a quiet environment, you can listen and feel for where the leaks are.

If the pump hasn't been apart, the leaks are probably:

1. dried out gaskets on the caps, suction & discharge.

2. Dried out packing

3. Leaks through the valve gates & handles.

BTW, don't run the pump for long without water in it - not good for it.

The air should not make it through the primer with the valve closed.

About the primer: The vacuum primer is really just 2 valves between the pump and the engine. When you pull the primer handle, you're opening the line from the engine intake manifold to the pump body. The primer has two float chambers - a primary and a back-up - that will shut off the vacuum when they fill with water. This prevents the rather terrible possibility of ingesting water into the cylinders of the engine.

It's an elegant solution - no electricity, and no oil needed. BUT, I would check it carefully to be sure it's working properly.

Let us know what you find - it's a process of elimination.

-Michael