Harbor Freight Liquid Transfer Pump (Stick) failures

[JCoastie]

I have the worst experience with these things. I've probably had 6 or 8 in the last 4 years. I never even have to change the batteries in them before they fail.
Is there a more reliable option?
I store 20 gallons of diesel and 20 gallons of gasoline all in 5 gallon cans, and I fill my equipment 5 gallons at a time (1 can), so I don't need anything large or elaborate, just something reliable.

I filled the mower this morning with gasoline which worked fine, set the pump aside to drain while I got the 5 gal can of diesel for the tractor, about 5 minutes, and the pump completely died in those 5 minutes. I checked the batteries, they were fine (1.46v) and I changed them just to be sure, nadda, dead! I use Energizer batteries.

Any options?

Junk

 

[WranglerX]

Don't buy cheap Chineseum stuff....

 

[dieselscout80]

Don't buy cheap Chineseum stuff....

Got a link to a good version of this type pump?

 

[JCoastie]

Don't buy cheap Chineseum stuff....

agreed, can you link me to a Made in USA version?

 

[chiefcook]

I have the worst experience with these things. I've probably had 6 or 8 in the last 4 years. I never even have to change the batteries in them before they fail.
Is there a more reliable option?
I store 20 gallons of diesel and 20 gallons of gasoline all in 5 gallon cans, and I fill my equipment 5 gallons at a time (1 can), so I don't need anything large or elaborate, just something reliable.

I filled the mower this morning with gasoline which worked fine, set the pump aside to drain while I got the 5 gal can of diesel for the tractor, about 5 minutes, and the pump completely died in those 5 minutes. I checked the batteries, they were fine (1.46v) and I changed them just to be sure, nadda, dead! I use Energizer batteries.

Any options?

Junk
View attachment 882799

I buy mine at Walmart. Probably the same as HF, but not a 40 mile round trip. Usually, the impeller comes loose. Clean it up and super glue or JB Weld will fix it. If not, they don't cost much and save work and spillage.

 

[JCoastie]

I'll check Walmart, thanks, didn't know they had them

 

[AaronD81]

I have this, works pretty well. Haven't had it for a full year yet so can't speak to long term use.

https://www.amazon.com/TERA-PUMP-AUTO-STOP-Replacement-Containers/dp/B0B1JQ2HC9/ref=sr_1_4?crid=8LJOO074YHHD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lOEvCp71W7_Snsb7d1EEXf0T8qDT_wgOQLT73T6tCldGugwThv80RPrHIJ9UMxTTehgbJa6tr0yoMo4x5Zn6Gwawd_bZKWWL7ITh3-tGCaK3ngjRyYClT4c-wmuzTWtIJ3kHP77X2b4YOXVEFgflcuwG03z8a73_QppU6sHGormNGSY8fmuBaZ16Ni29x-2XfjRmqdNGXXRn8GxRKJGvmwuOF27Tmy3kGcaXCrlYE5E.WQrIFK10XQhYhg8PCbvT5JdYiChH3PpLjAfRBqEAdTI&dib_tag=se&keywords=fuel+pump+transfer+tera&qid=1722456120&sprefix=fuel+pump+transfer+tera%2Caps%2C112&sr=8-4

 

[JCoastie]

@AaronD81 does it HAVE to be screwed on to the can, or can it sit on top and still function without making a seal?

 

[AaronD81]

@AaronD81 does it HAVE to be screwed on to the can, or can it sit on top and still function without making a seal?

No, screw tops are changeable so you can just not use it, I don’t.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

Get one of these....

OMT 12V DC 12GPM Electric Fuel Transfer Pump Kit with Nozzle & Hoses For Diesel | eBay

1 x Nozzle with Trigger. suction and 32'10" max. lift, making on site oil transfer a breeze. Heavy-Duty Hoses. Input Power: 12V DC. The dust covers on the inlet and outlet of the pump body prevent dust, debris, and other contaminants to ensure clean oil transfer.

www.ebay.com

Empties a 5 gal can in about a minute! I have mine a few years already, no problems at all. I made a cart to hold the pump, battery, and 5 gal can.