The Pump

OK... Here is the heart of the whole thing. The pump. This is a March brand model MDX-MT3. Several other homebrewers have used this pump in a similar system with much success. It is rated for temps of about 200F and the little bit that I use it for boiling wort doesn't seem to be a problem. The only real problem I had with the pump was a problem that I created by the design of my system. I used a lot of rigid plumbing and as a result it put a lot of stress on the suction and discharge nipples of the plastic pump housing. As a result they broke off. Rather than buy a new pump housing ($$$), I decided to try something. I drilled out the remaining stubs of the nipples on the housing to 5/8" and epoxied in some copper tubing stubs that I could clamp some tygon (brand) thick-wall tubing. This seems to have been a good choice for now. I put a sheet metal shroud over the top of the pump to keep any miscellaneous splashes out of the electric motor. Here's a picture.

Here is some data from the instruction sheet that was included with the pump I purchased. The instructions are copied here pretty much as they were written on the instruction sheet. I've taken the liberty to edit out information from the sheet about some of the other "sister" pumps to the MDX-MT3. The March graphic at the bottom of this page is also a link to the March Pumps website. They have links to dealers in your area.

The "sister" pumps are models TE-MDX-MT3 and TE-MDK-MT3. Those pumps use a totally enclosed motor with a conduit box and have multi-voltage capability. The motor on those pumps is also a little larger at 1/15 HP as compared to the MDX-MT3 1/25 HP.

Anyhoo... Here's the instruction sheet. I hope to include a scan of the exploded view of the pump for the repair parts list when I can get access to a scanner.

MARCH

INSTRUCTIONS AND REPAIR PARTS

FOR MDX-MT3

"METL-LESS" PUMPS

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PUMP CONSTRUCTION AND SERVICING

March "ORBITAL" Magnetic Drive Pumps eliminate the conventional shaft seals found in most pumps. This means that there is no rotating seal to wear and allow the liquid being pumped to leak out. There are only two areas in this type construction that rotate and could wear out. One area is the motor shaft and bearings. The second area is the impeller-magnet assembly rotating on a stationary spindle, and hence these are the only two areas where wearing can occur.

All parts can be easily serviced and replaced in the field if necessary with the use of a screwdriver. See the Repair Parts List for necessary replacement items.

All ratings are based on pumping water. Depending on the pumping conditions, some liquids heavier than water may cause the magnetic coupling to slip. Contact the factory if this occurs for special instructions. The inlet and outlet ports are ½" M.P.T. threads.

PUMP MATERIALS

The 3 plastic parts in contact with the liquid are molded out of Ryton or Kynar Plastic. The motor bracket is molded out of black glass filled Noryl on the MDX-MT3. The "O" ring gasket is Viton "A" rubber. The stationary spindle and thrust washer are chemical resistant ceramic. Contact the factory for other materials available on special order.

ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS AND RUNNING DRY

The MDX-MT3 motor is 115 volt, 50/60 cycle, 1 phase A.C. - 230 volt motors are available.

See wiring instructions packed with each pump. The motor is U.L. recognized. The pump should not be run dry for more than 30 seconds as the plastic impeller will squeal and may bind on the stationary spindle.

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WARRANTY

March pumps are guaranteed only against defects in workmanship or material for a period of one year from date of manufacture, pumping water. For all other solutions contact factory for prior written approval of warranty, before pump is installed. See March Pump Application Questionaire 750-130-10 for additional warranty information.

MARCH MFG., INC. 1819 Pickwick Ave. Glenview, IL 60025 Phone (708) 729-5300 FAX (708) 729-7062