Tank pressure from grover air pump

[Ron Banks]

I have a 58 flying cloud and I just got my pump working and was wondering what pressure it should keep my tank? I was working on it and put a gage on the stem outside and it showed 40 lbs. What pressure should it be before it quits pumping?

Ron

[Sugarfoot]

The documents that came with my 1960 says the pressure switch was originally set for max 60 psi. On at 40 and off at 60. That being said, I set mine for approximately 25/45. Until I replumb the entire thing, I'm taking the low road.

[Sixty3TW4US]

60/40 is also what i heard. on my inlet area there is a spot where is says max. air 65lbs, i keep mine at 45/35 or less.

[samb]

After I was sure that the pressure switch was operating, I checked the pressure and found the pump to come on at 24 psi and off at 45 psi. Even though I had pressure checked my new water system to 70 psi I find the the 24/45 split to be quite adequate for my needs and didn't feel any necessity to adjust the switch. There is also no benefit from pushing the system to its limits.
Sam

[bevman]

60/40 is what my research has told me, but no need to run it that high. I do, and haven't split anything, yet. I replaced the pressure controller after rebuilding the pump because you can't just replace the diaphragm. (Everything worked until I tried to use it the first time). Make certain that the pump has oil in its crankcase (mine was dry and seized up).

[Ron Banks]

This is probably a dumb question but how do you set your pump for the desired pressures? When I fixed the pump I noticed that the pump had a air port on top of the housing and when I turned the pump on it spit some oil out, is this normal? The port is circular and has holes drilled into it. Is there anything like a filter that goes into that little hole?

Thanks guys
Ron

[samb]

Here's a photo of my spare Grover. The pencil is pointing to the air filter. If this looks like yours give me a PM. I could send you some more photos and might be able to answer your questions.

[bevman]

In samb's photo the pressure controller is like mine (the one that I replaced with new). Inside that gray box are two threaded rods with springs and a nut on the top of the spring. One is "cut out" (high pressure) and the other "turn on" (low pressure). Turning the nut in/out adjusts. You'll need to figure out which is which, and fiddle around with them.

As to the spitting of oil, this is really a small, unsophisticated piston engine. It doesn't have piston rings, so a little oil, passing from the crankcase up to the top of the piston does happen, particularly if you overfill the crankcase. My guess is, that this oil issue will stop, but not certain. There is small slot on the side of the piston where air is sucked in. Mine had a tiny felt pad (air filter) that was all gummed up after 50 years. I cleaned it with solvent and put it back.

[Ron Banks]

That is the same pump I have! The port I am talking about is on the other side from where he has the pincel pointing. It is not on the cylinder, it is on the case. I am sure it is a pressure release or overfill release of the oil. I filled the oil tank up and it spit some out that little port. Thanks for all you help guys!
Ron