So I have the Aquamist HFS-5 Kit. I have had to replace the pump 2 times for leaks and now I have another leak ( i just replaced the top part of the pump with a brass fitting under the silver cover, this leak is occurring where the black plastic connects to the metal pump). I have used 100% meth since Feb 2007. I use M1 99.9% meth.

a couple of questions for meth users:

1) What kit are you using (pump)?
2) Have you had any issues with leaks (how many times, details, etc)?
3) What have you done to fix your problem?
4) How long did it take for a leak to occur, or how long have you been using 100% and have had no leaks?


I have heard that the new pump from Aquamist (HFS-6) pump is more friendly for meth, so that might be my next choice, but I am conducting an experiment with my old pump to see if this works.

I am using RTV Silicone Grey to make a gasket around my pump to see if this will stop the leaks (small leaks) all together. I made sure the pump was completely dry before doing this and put a nice bead around the top of the pump and screwed everything together. I did some research on RTV vs. Meth and all that I could find is that the meth will not "eat away" at silicone but will evaporate though it witch should't be that bad. (the only liquid that will eat silicone is hexanes).

So what is your guys/gals opinions?

I will be putting the pump back in tomorrow night and i guess we will see what happens. and just in case the meth decides to "eat it" I have a micro filter on my meth line.

 

no one has input?

 

hrm...bump?

 

last bump for any kinds of input...

 

i am really surprised that no one has any issues or any input...im putting my pump back on tomorrow and see what happens...

 

Meth and leaking pumps, ah the joys. My first Coolingmist pump went out after 18 months, the diaphragm inside it started failing. I ordered a new diaphragm which fixed the sputtering issue but then the leaking started in the exact same position you indicated. I tried threadlocker, RTV, everything, nothing worked so I trashed it for a new pump. I went with Labonte's 250PSI pump with a 2 year warranty. If it makes it two years I'll be happy

 

Those pumps where never designed for 100% meth use. Sure the new Aquamist Aquatech pump is better than the shurflow but time will still see the same result.

Methanol has a much lower viscosity than H20 so its going to find the gap and slide in between causing leaks more easily... if that makes sense.

To fix, I say add water to the mixture... 35%-50% H20 will not only help prevent leaking to a degree but also gain power if tuned correctly. Not to mention it will lower the overall corrosive nature methanol has on the pumps, lines, jets, cylinders, head, ect ect... It will be cheaper to use, maintain, and enjoy. Power will be the same if not more when tuned.

Good Luck!

Evan Smith
PS I can get you a Aquatech pump PM me.

 

well i have used the RTV and I havent had any leaks yet

 

if it ends up leaking add water to you setup 40%h20-60%meth

 

I had the same problem recently. I put red rtv sealant. It seemed to work for a while but now it is leaking again. It is very slow now though. I am going to swap out for a hfs-6 pump and some new fittings. Hopefully that will work for a while. I am definetly going to look into the pump with a warrenty mention above.

 

i use the aem and had no problems with it so far.

 

well it has been a few weeks and no issues that i know of. i will keep anyone who cares posted.

 

AEM here too, for about 1 year, and no leaks yet. I'm thinking about going back to 50%, maybe even 25%, once a couple upgrades happen.

 

I am also running the AEM on 100% vp M1 no issues as of yet

 

I used the aquamist for about a year and a half before any leaks. But man once, they started...I have lost a gallon over night. It was very frusterating.