There are many ways to stay safe when operating a Honda WX15 water pump, but one of the best ways to stay safe from harm is simply understanding how the equipment works and how to operate it in a variety of scenarios. Simply understanding the fundamental nature of water pump controls and ignition can reduce the risk of injury. Of course, there are other ways to reduce this risk as well. Keeping the water pump away from bystanders and pets, operating it in sufficient water with the proper style of hose, and preparing for quick action in an emergency can all help to reduce the risk of injury during use.
To understand how this water pump works and how to operate its most essential features, homeowners should review its basic controls and what they mean to operation. They should also have a thorough understanding of how to start, stop, and alter the engine’s functions before proceeding with the ignition procedure.
Pre-Operation Checks are Crucial
There are several things that must be done before the water pump can be started, and each of these things ensures the pump is safe and ready for hard work. Start by checking the fuel and oil levels. Proper fuel and oil utilization will keep the engine safe from harm and maintain the equipment’s utility. Operators should also check for any signs of engine damage, pump damage, or surface damage, correcting it before pursuing the task ahead.
A General Water Pump Operation Overview
With a few pre-operation checks out of the way, it’s time to learn a general overview of the pump’s basic features and operational considerations. These key points are essential to safe and effective use of the equipment.
1. Pump Placement
The key to safe and effective use of the WX15 water pump is to place it close to the water’s edge without actually submerging the pump or forcing it to use an excessively long hose. Find a position for the pump that places it just back from the edge of the water, and attach a hose that’s just long enough to reach the deepest part of the water once the pump has been turned on. This combination of placement and hose length will maximize pump pressure and functionality, displacing the water more quickly than other configurations.
2. Suction Hose Installation
The proper hose for the WX15 model is 1.5 inches in diameter. The suction hose should be attached using a standard hose connector as well as the hose clamp that is included with each new WX15 water pump. The combination of the clamp and hose connector will make sure that no air makes its way into the suction hose, improving suction and pump pressure during use. If the Honda hose clamp has gone missing, be sure to replace it with an OEM part.
Equally important is the strainer that gets placed on the open end of the water suction hose. This strainer keeps dirt and sediment out of the pump, enhancing its functionality and making sure that sediment doesn’t cause engine problems or other issues. Install this strainer by following the instructions described in the pump’s instruction manual.
2. Discharge Hose Installation
Honda recommends a shorter discharge hose with a larger diameter in order to maximize water flow. Homeowners can also choose to use a garden hose if they have one available, which can reduce the cost of finding parts for the water pump initially. Make sure that the discharge hose is only as long as necessary in order to prevent clogs and water pressure problems after the discharge process has begun.
4. Priming the Pump
The pump must always be primed if equipment owners wish to actually pump fluid. This is a crucial part of the process. Start by removing the filler cap from the pump chamber. Fill the chamber to capacity with water, replace the filler cap and secure it appropriately, and then start the engine.
Starting, Setting and Stopping the Engine
To start the engine, turn the fuel valve to the “on” position and make sure that the choke is set to “closed” for a cold engine. If the engine is warm, the choke can be set to “open” instead. Turn the engine switch to “on” and then move the throttle lever halfway between its “slow” and “fast” settings. Pull on the starter grip until ignition is completed. After the engine is started, its speed can be set by adjusting the throttle lever. Remember, a faster throttle speed will increase pump output.
Stopping the engine is relatively simple. Move the throttle to “slow,” turn off the engine switch, and allow the engine to stop. Turn the fuel valve to the “off” position so that fuel cannot accidentally reach the engine and cause serious injury to the operator or others.
Get Parts and More at HondaLawnParts.com
HondaLawnParts.com is a great destination for new or existing WX15 water pump owners. The site has a full lineup of Honda parts and accessories, which can be sorted by part and model number to provide full compatibility with any past or current Honda model. This makes it easy to keep any water pump in like-new condition for many years to come.