manifold build for "shurflo" set-up ?

[Openwater]

My Shurflo 4008 is fed by 2, 5/16 lines going into a 3 way star fitting; I just plug the 3rd barb on the fitting. If I wanted to add another 5/16 onto the 3rd barb for a recirc line, what kind of needle valve would fit in-line on the 5/16 recirc line? I think I'd prefer the needle valve over the ball-valve.

[trevor47smith]

Howdy All,

Not to get off topic or Hijack... Maybe a little but was just reading into this type of setup and was wondering if there are other pump options that have been used successfully that easily purchased on Amazon Canada.

Was looking at this https://www.amazon.ca/DC-HOUSE-Diaph...NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Understanding this would require the pressure switch to be bypassed.

[Hillcrest Maples]

I’ve built 3 or 4 variations and nothing has worked better than this. Pulls 25” all day long. No recirc. I kept the output side 3/8” od. I’m no expert, but it keeps the diaphragm wet by not dumping the sap so quick. I’ve done 1” and 3/4 pipe with tees and barbs but found the pump just pulled the sap out of the pipe too quick and the diaphragm wouldn’t stay wet.

[GanaSugar]

https://youtu.be/18RK7i22OBE

Here is my manifold. Just a piece of UHMW plastic drilled and tapped. Simple, small and works great. For reference, I don't have any temperature controller. I turn this on at the beginning of the season, and off at the end. No problems with freeze ups and the pump keeps going. 12V pump running on an old battery charger.

Great video, you should add a description for it. I love the UHMW manifold block.

[RC Maple]

I saw this setup on a youtube video and took a screenshot of it. Thought it looked like a great manifold. The video was in French, but I still liked the setup. Might be more leakproof than my 1/2" threaded fittings? I liked the shut off valves too.

Manifold Setup.jpg

[DRoseum]

I have had great success using push fit connectors and poly tubing (3/8 and 1/4) to build vacuum manifolds. I use the following:

Tees: 3/8" to 1/4" to 3/8" OD tube Quick Connect: https://a.co/d/5dsfL93

1/4 push fit ball valve for each line

Barb fittings for each line: https://www.freshwatersystems.com/pr...-x-1-4-id-barb

Super easy and cheap to build, very compact and scalable, easy to disassemble and clean, and allows you to isolate lines when chasing leaks or doing line maintenance. No drilling or tapping required, and can remove your lines easily at the end of the season. And the manifold plenum is smaller, which allows the pump to pull better vacuum.

Videos of different setups here:

https://youtube.com/shorts/2BnnBgATt8c?feature=share
https://youtu.be/aGFwYIskHww
https://youtu.be/ni3ScN3lhZs

Lots of us have some of these parts on hand from small DIY RO builds....another reason I went this rout.

[RC Maple]

I have had great success using push fit connectors and poly tubing (3/8 and 1/4) to build vacuum manifolds. I use the following:

Tees: 3/8" to 1/4" to 3/8" OD tube Quick Connect: https://a.co/d/5dsfL93

1/4 push fit ball valve for each line

Barb fittings for each line: https://www.freshwatersystems.com/pr...-x-1-4-id-barb

Super easy and cheap to build, very compact and scalable, easy to disassemble and clean, and allows you to isolate lines when chasing leaks or doing line maintenance. No drilling or tapping required, and can remove your lines easily at the end of the season. And the manifold plenum is smaller, which allows the pump to pull better vacuum.

Videos of different setups here:

https://youtube.com/shorts/2BnnBgATt8c?feature=share
https://youtu.be/aGFwYIskHww
https://youtu.be/ni3ScN3lhZs

Lots of us have some of these parts on hand from small DIY RO builds....another reason I went this rout.

There is one piece of equipment I do not have put away yet from this season... the shurflo pump and manifold setup is getting a redo. My original one for my 5/16 setup was done with 1/2 in stainless with 3 lines coming into it. I always thought a star fitting would eliminate a lot of chances for vacuum leaks and am now waiting on the arrival of a star fitting to test this setup before storing it away until next season. If this tests well with the vacuum gauge, I may call it good. I do still like the idea of a manifold though and if I think this setup still needs improvement, I may look to go with the push to connect fittings and put a manifold together for my 5/16" setup incorporating a recirc line and a spot for a line for the vacuum gauge as well. What size fittings would be better for 5/16 tubing - does it matter, 1/4" or 3/8"?

[RC Maple]

Well, the new pump setup is complete with a 6-way star fitting. I've got a shut off for each of the three lines plus a line for recirculation and a line for the vacuum gauge. I did a test run with it today in the garage and was getting 25.5 in Hg on the gauge. Having that project still going on was keeping me from being able to finish another project and getting them both put away. It was nice to make some headway on a rainy day.