Cat 310 pump low pressure seal

[Daveee123]

using Kit 30623 im replacing the seals in a 310 pump, with the head on the table and all the new seals in , when i take one of the ceramic cylinders with oil and try to push it in the low pressure seal , i cant get it to go in , only half way , its like the seal is tapered , with the spring side down. I dont see how i will get the head on
when all 3 ceramics have to go in the seals. Im wondering if anyone has some tips. Dave from MIchigan

 

[I.B. Washincars]

It's been a long time since I've worked on a 310, but are you sure you are putting that seal in the right place. The HP seal goes down in the head, then the seal case (the threaded thing) goes in, and the LP seal just sticks in the seal case, and then you put the head back on the pump. Sometimes it's tight, but that's all there is to it. What's the ceramic cylinder you mention? The ceramic plungers need not be removed to replace the seals.

 

[Daveee123]

The ceramic plungers i have removed and just to see how hard to get the head on , i take one and try to stick it in the seal , yes i put it
together just as you mentioned , Hopefully when i go to stick the whole head on after i install the ceramics it will go on , Ill find out
today or tomorrow... thx

 

[I.B. Washincars]

It's a pretty snug fit on the plungers. I'm not surprised that it's hard trying to shove one in by hand. Lube things up good when you install it. You may have to wiggle it a bit and/or rotate the pump at the same time, but I feel confident it will go on.

 

[cantbreak80]

Carefully push the head onto the plungers. Push as far as you feel comfortable.
Then, use a rubber mallet to whack it home.

Or, use the handle of a hammer...or, a block of wood.

 

[MEP001]

If you removed the ceramic plungers from the pump, you absolutely must replace the copper washer on the bolt. If you don't, water will most likely leak through the plunger bolt and get into the crankcase. I replace all the washers and seals anytime I remove the plungers.

 

[edredtop]

Anybody with the same problem, here's a very helpful video guide from Tom at Kleen-Rite.
( I can tell you, I run my Cats hard and when they start giving me trouble beyond regular maintenance, I'll replace them in a heartbeat and sell the old one on ebay for a couple hundred bucks.)
There's nothing like having a pump take a dive on Fourth of July weekend when they're lined up..
Video

 

[edredtop]

If you removed the ceramic plungers from the pump, you absolutely must replace the copper washer on the bolt. If you don't, water will most likely leak through the plunger bolt and get into the crankcase. I replace all the washers and seals anytime I remove the plungers.

AMEN!!

 

[Toms PTcarwash]

For me the Cat 310's have been pretty reliable. They don't just fail without warning unless they are run without water. If I start to hear pulsation, I replace the seals, and am good to go for another couple years.
A few years back, a local water main broke and caused three of my pumps to fail. I bought three new ones and rebuild the failed ones. I now keep three spares rebuilt and ready to go at all times.