Washed out 310 manifolds - With pictures

[mjc3333]

This is an update from my last post back in Feb 2010.

I now have 8 re-sleeved Cat 310 pumps all running strong at 1250 psi for almost 2 years now. All work was done by Vilco in TN. The heads were each 22 years old at the time of the re-sleeving. I had 4 done at a time. Each set (4 310 heads) cost me just over $1000 for everything including shipping ($250 a head). All 3 high pressure seats bored, all 6 valve seats bored, all new high pressure seals, all new low pressure seals, all new o-rings, all new wicks and plastic backup inserts, all new plastic tops on the 6 valves. The only thing that was re-used was the head itself, the brass plugs,and the bottom 3 pieces of the valve which are all stainless steel.

If I had to buy a new pump today, I would obviously go with the Cat 310 with the SS head.

To me, $250 a head made more sense than trying to switch or buy new.

Eventually, some of the pumps may fail internally themselves; thats when I will switch to the Cat 310 SS.

 

[cleaning up mud]

Did Vilco do all the work and parts, orings, seals etc.?

 

[mjc3333]

Did Vilco do all the work and parts, orings, seals etc.?

Yes.

I supplied the old complete head with all of the old components intact.

The only parts that Vilco reused was the head itself, the brass plugs, and the stainless steel parts from each valve (the body, the spring, and the cup).

Vilco bored each high pressure seat (3) pressed in 3 stainless steel sleeves, bored all valve seats (6) pressed in 6 stainless steel sleeves, replaced all high pressure seals (3), replaced all low pressure seals (3), replaced all o-rings (3 on the brass plug, 6 on the head plugs (3 on top 3 on the side), also replaced all plastic valve tops (cages) along with new valve o-rings and Teflon backup rings. Then pressure tested the completed head to 1400 psi. Stamped each head with the date of boring, packaged the heads and sent them to me through UPS or FedEx. Had four done at once as described above for a little over $1000 for everything including shipping ($1038 to be exact). About $250 each.

Vilco also if needed would be able to supply any of the missing parts that were reused in my rebuilds if necessary for an extra cost (brass plugs, stainless parts of valve, and or head plugs (6).

Mike

 

[pitzerwm]

Why not review that company Mike?

 

[phred113]

This is an update from my last post back in Feb 2010.

Eventually, some of the pumps may fail internally themselves; thats when I will switch to the Cat 310 SS.

I hope you get the same life from your new ones. I think you meant the S version not the SS version. S is sleeved in Japan at manufacture and SS is all SS head and other parts - very expensive.

 

[Randy]

In 28 years I have yet to replace a washed out Cat 310 head. I can't recall when I last had to replace any seals. I did have the back half of a pump come a part once, I think it was about 8 years ago. I never change the oil, I do put a few drops of oil in the wick holes now and then. I guess I must be living right.

 

[mjc3333]

In 28 years I have yet to replace a washed out Cat 310 head. I can't recall when I last had to replace any seals. I did have the back half of a pump come a part once, I think it was about 8 years ago. I never change the oil, I do put a few drops of oil in the wick holes now and then. I guess I must be living right.

The 8 heads I had done were from a car wash a bought second hand. The wash was only 4 years old at the time, however, the previous owner did NOTHING as far as regular maintenance. The pumps did not get any regular maintenance in the 4 years, no oil change, no hour meter, no rebuilding if needed, not even if the pump was cavitating. I think this last item on the list is what did the most damage to the heads.

I do not think the equipment was new when the wash was built, so I cannot say for sure just how old the pumps really were. I am guessing 21-22 years old at the time of the rebuild.

My other washes pumps have not shown any visible signs of wash out so far. Most of these are about 19 to 20 years old.

 

[mjc3333]

update from 9-22-2010

The Cat Pump heads that Vilco re-sleeved are still going strong. It has been about 4 years since then.

Will keep updating.

 

[slash007]

I don't know why I didn't check here earlier, but a few months ago when I first bought a new wash I had a lot of trouble trying to get the pulsating to stop in a 310. I kept replacing o-rings, only to see them blow out again. I then replaced all six valve inserts (white things that the o-ring goes on) and still had the problem. I gave up and just let it pulsate as it wasn't really bad, but noticeable since all other bays were buttery smooth. I now know that the head must be washed out. Other then Kleen-Rite, whom else can I consider to get the head repaired?

 

[Randy]

I now know that the head must be washed out. Other then Kleen-Rite, whom else can I consider to get the head repaired?

I’ve been told that if you’ve got a washed out Cat Pump head in need repair send it to this guy www.dynajet.com Costs around $100 - $125 or so to have all 9 bores sleeved. I’ve got one that I might send to him.

 

[Ric]

I've been using http://www.vilcosupply.com

 

[slash007]

I’ve been told that if you’ve got a washed out Cat Pump head in need repair send it to this guy www.dynajet.com Costs around $100 - $125 or so to have all 9 bores sleeved. I’ve got one that I might send to him.

I noticed that in the thread, but clicking on his website I saw no mention of anything to do with pump repairs so I figured that maybe he doesn't do them anymore. I will send him an email to check.

 

[mjc3333]

Read the old posts here. I can only tell you about Vilco Supply in Tennessee. I had a lot more than just the boring and sleaving. All my pumps that were done work flawlessly for the past three years.

 

[Ric]

I recently put new seals in a manifold which Vilco bored in 2003 (Vilco date stamps the manifold). It's still going strong. Call Joe at Vilco if you have questions. He usually answers the phone and is very helpful.

 

[RockyMountain]

For now I'll make it a sticky

How do you find/view these photos that have been made into a "sticky?"
Thanks,
Brian

 

[MEP001]

They're on the first page.

 

[I.B. Washincars]

They're on the first page.

The only ones I see are on page 2.

There is a link to one in a post by Randy on page 1, but it is a picture of a polar bear eating marshmallows in a snowstorm.

 

[MEP001]

http://www.autocareforum.com/showth...310-manifolds-With-pictures&p=26733#post26733

One of the pictures is dead - here's a new one.

 

[trs246810]

I sent two pumps to Vilco Supply, and I'm really happy with them. I just got my second one back yesterday.

 

[Ustimira]

By the time you pay for sleeving a manifold, a seal kit, shipping both ways, and maybe valves, you are well over 200 bucks invested into a used pump. I've always drawn a line at a repair at 1/2 price or more than the price of replacement is excessive. As my Cats fail, I have been replacing them with Arimitsus. I have about 20 of them now, the Cats down to 5. I like them better than the Cats and the Arimitsu guys (helpfuljames and Greg) are always willing to help. The much quieter eq. room is also a nice bonus. The 313 conversion from K/R is less that $500. I think our forum buddy Randy is also a dist. for them, give him a shout.

Speaking of washed out manifolds, it sure would be nice to have pics of washout posted here on the site. I know a lot of operators here don't know what to look for when we are talking about it. Can anyone take pics sharp enough to post? It sounds like BG can supply a washed out manifold.

Odd to hear the Arimitsu service is better than Cat. Just curious...of the 20 Arimitsus how many were purchased?