Whale Gusher 8 Bilge Pump

[Clay Stalker]

Hi folks:

My bilge pump will pump no more....alas, the rubber diaphram has split and cracked. My manual says this is a Whale Gusher 8. I looked in West Marine for a replacement kit, and they list one for a Whale Gusher 8 Type III. Is this the same thing?? What does the type III mean? Has anyone had to change the diaphram on their pumps? Do you have to take the whole darn thing apart, or can I just unscrew the clamp and remove the diaphram. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Clay Stalker



cstalker@cheshire.net

[Duncan Maio]

Clay:

I've never had a problem with my pump, but the boat came with the packaging for a Whale Gusher 8 Mark III spares kit - so presumably that's what's in the boat (1977 vintage). There is an exploded view assembly drawing inside the package.

Duncan Maio
s/v Remedy
CD27 #37
Bristol, RI
(about 30 yards E-SE of Salsa)



mail@mysticmarine.net

[Dale W.]

Hi folks:

My bilge pump will pump no more....alas, the rubber diaphram has split and cracked.

Yes, you buy the kit and install the new rubber diaphram. My first experience with this setup occurred while away from home port. The pump stopped pumping water and seemed to not build any suction. . . I rowed to shore and proudly secured the last available rebuild kit. I then proceeded to dismantle the pump. The cause of the problem?? A toothpick piece jammed in one of the flaps. The store would not take the kit back (credit on stuff I had no need for . . ). I saved the kit until the diapharam needed replaced some years later. I still have the flaps waiting for them to not work . . .

This job may be awkward because of location, but it's not technically difficult. Good Luck, Dale



majortest@earthlink.net

[Tom]

In answer to your question about what does "type III" mean, I think I know. At least with the galley gusher pumps made by the same company they discovered that the plastic housings were cracking in time. So they came up with a stronger plastic and the pump remained identical but if it had the stronger plastic they called it "mark II" to distinguish it. After a while they discovered it broke down also, so they came up with an even stronger plastic which they called "mark III". It's a different gray and has a sort of speckled appearance compared to marks 1 & 2. So far these have proven not to crack, however only time will really tell. The diaphragms and valves etc. remained exactly the same and the kits will fit and of the pumps since the only difference is the composition of the plastic.

I'm not sure about the Whale Gusher 8, but I'm guessing it's the same as with the Galley Gusher.

Isn't this board great!

Hi folks:

My bilge pump will pump no more....alas, the rubber diaphram has split and cracked. My manual says this is a Whale Gusher 8. I looked in West Marine for a replacement kit, and they list one for a Whale Gusher 8 Type III. Is this the same thing?? What does the type III mean? Has anyone had to change the diaphram on their pumps? Do you have to take the whole darn thing apart, or can I just unscrew the clamp and remove the diaphram. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Clay Stalker

TomCambria@mindspring.com

[Clay Stalker]

Hi folks:

My bilge pump will pump no more....alas, the rubber diaphram has split and cracked.

Yes, you buy the kit and install the new rubber diaphram. My first experience with this setup occurred while away from home port. The pump stopped pumping water and seemed to not build any suction. . . I rowed to shore and proudly secured the last available rebuild kit. I then proceeded to dismantle the pump. The cause of the problem?? A toothpick piece jammed in one of the flaps. The store would not take the kit back (credit on stuff I had no need for . . ). I saved the kit until the diapharam needed replaced some years later. I still have the flaps waiting for them to not work . . .

This job may be awkward because of location, but it's not technically difficult. Good Luck, Dale

Thanks all for your helpful information. I stuck my head into the locker this weekend to really check this pump out and discovered that it is in fact a Whale Gusher 8 Type III...I guess this means the Type III rebuild kit will work (duhhhh, I'm just getting brilliant!). I removed the diaphram and ordered a new kit from WM....many thanks again, and yes, this is a great board!

Clay Stalker
CD27 Salsa #247
Bristol Harbor, Rhode Island



cstalker@cheshire.net

[Jack Laudermilk]

I just took mine out and threw it away. I'll replace it with a serious pump made by Edson. It will take some fitting but if you ever need to use it in an emergency, you will be glad to have a bigger better made pump.



Hi folks:

My bilge pump will pump no more....alas, the rubber diaphram has split and cracked. My manual says this is a Whale Gusher 8. I looked in West Marine for a replacement kit, and they list one for a Whale Gusher 8 Type III. Is this the same thing?? What does the type III mean? Has anyone had to change the diaphram on their pumps? Do you have to take the whole darn thing apart, or can I just unscrew the clamp and remove the diaphram. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Clay Stalker

JLaudermilk@adrus.com