transfer pump

[Flat Lander Sugaring]

Just bought a transfer pump from tractor supply. I figured it would be perfect for pumping sap. well in the directions it says
Do Not Pump Fluid for Human Consumption:(
The pump runs off a shaft from the engine so there doesn't seem to be a way for engine oil to get into it. The pump itself is a different unit bolted to the engine. Just dont see how it can be effected, or is the company just covering their Posterior

[Ausable]

Guess it would be to much for the pump manufacturer to explain why - after the warning. You have the pump casing, shaft and impeller seems simple enough. Was the material used in making the pump obtained at a radio-active dump site or something or made from medical waste products -- makes you wonder. Would seem like boiling the heck out of the sap to make maple syrup would kill any bacteria present -- So what do You do now - call the company or take it back -- or use it. Just when You think problem solved - I have my pump - this happens -- best of luck with whatever you decide --- Mike

[ennismaple]

The answer is they likely didn'y use a food grade oil in the manufacturing and the lubricating grease isn't food grade. You could try and strip the pump down, wipe it out, dissolve any oil residue from the manufacturing process with something like mineral oil and re-lubricate with food grade products.

Either that or it's simply CYA on their part.

[Flat Lander Sugaring]

I just e-mailed them and asked if material was of unknown type or what other reason they would have.
Thanks ennismaple I will probably take pump housing apart and check it.
Food grade grease does lubricate rear wheel bearings of 97 dodge caravans, but smells like french fries when it gets hot. Not saying I did this or anything just a comment:D

[Flat Lander Sugaring]

Well I ran 100+ gal water through pump last night, little bit I saved some brought it inside looks clean, no contaminates floating or anything.

[12Fancher]

I actually just bought the same pump for the same reason. The only reason I bought it was because my neighbor who sells about 200 gallons of syrup told me to. I have helped my neighbor for a couple years and watched him pump 100's of gallons of sap thru that pump. He is never had any issues with his sap being dirty or unclean. Hopefully that makes you feel better, and lets you focus on the other 100 things that could go wrong while making syrup. Like falling asleep and burning your new pan (Been there done that)

[Flat Lander Sugaring]

I actually just bought the same pump for the same reason. The only reason I bought it was because my neighbor who sells about 200 gallons of syrup told me to. I have helped my neighbor for a couple years and watched him pump 100's of gallons of sap thru that pump. He is never had any issues with his sap being dirty or unclean. Hopefully that makes you feel better, and lets you focus on the other 100 things that could go wrong while making syrup. Like falling asleep and burning your new pan (Been there done that)

thanks, just so conscience about the things I use and stuff.
The only time I burn my pan is when I HAVE NOT been Drinking:lol:

[Haynes Forest Products]

I have 2 of the Pacer pumps and cant see any area that grease could effect the sap. Now if your worried how about recirculating in a barrel of cleaner.

[Flat Lander Sugaring]

rn anotherv 50+gal through today with fda approved sanitizer agent. i should be good

[Leadft]

I'm interested in more info on the liners and valves. I just bought 2 with red lids on them... One is labeled fruitous corn syrup and the other is soy oil... the other to matching totes I bought a few years ago were a blended sweetener of some sort and they have green lids.... The company I bought my adapter stuff from for those odd-ball threaded valves went out of business.... The new totes I just bought have a 3” connection on them but I only have 1 adapter for it.. Do you know where I can get another or can I swap out the 3”valve for a 2” on that matches the others I have ???

[Flat Lander Sugaring]

ok here's my question to the manufacturer:

I just purchased a 2RLAG-1 2.4HP 1.5" Portable pump.
In the Do Not list one of the things listed is not to use on "Fluids Intended for Human Consumption" I would like to ask you for what reason due you have this listed. Can the engine oil contaminate the liquid, is the casting made from unknow materials? I don't understand could you please clarify this for me.

Here's there response:
Dear Sir: No material reason why other than the gas engine aspect that you implied.

So I guess the manufacturer is worried that engine oil is going to leak through thesealed bearings on the shaft and work its way into the pump.