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I'm working on a closed loop system to cool my boka with the double helix condenser, it runs through 1/4 inch copper line. I've tried the bilge pump I had left over from of boat I have, but being designed for high volume and low pressure it won't work. What can any of you recommend in either 120volt or 12 volt that has higher pressure and lower volume that will run this loop?

How 'bout this one?
http://t.harborfreight.com/12-volt-mari ... 94639.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
ss

Can install a bi-pass via 3 way valve so that your bilge pump is unaffected by the low volume.

Harbor freight sells a small 110 volt pond pump which will be perfect

About $ 15 buck

I have a couple that are 4 - 5 years old, never miss a beat

Coyote

EDIT: I stand corrected, by myself, $ 9.99

Lots of submersible pond pumps on ebay for $20 or less. Mine is 380 GPH with a 6.5' head lift. The head lift is probably the most important factor. You can also install a tee fitting on the input side (pump output) with a ball valve to redirect some of the flow back to your water reservoir. The ball valve will allow you to adjust the flow to your condenser.

If you use a pond pump that is magnetic drive (most are) you can just install a valve inline to control water flow. The magnetic drive doesn't mind the back pressure.

thatguy1313 wrote:If you use a pond pump that is magnetic drive (most are) you can just install a valve inline to control water flow. The magnetic drive doesn't mind the back pressure.

Only true if the valve is on the outlet which isn't an issue with a submersible pump, typical for a pond pump.

If you are using an inline magnetic drive pump however, and the valve is on the inlet, cavitation will likely occur and void any warranty. Make sure your valve is on the outlet if you own this type of pump.

Go to this website http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/hazen ... d_797.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
and put in 135 for the C value (Copper) and use the inside diameter of your cooling piping as the hydraulic diameter. This will give you the headloss for whatever flow rate you are using. Add to this calculated head loss, the elevation change from your pump to the highest level of the cooling water piping. The two combined will give you a fair approximation of the Total Dynamic Head your selected pump will need to overcome. I say fair because I don't know the particulars of your cooling system. Bends and other direction changes will add more head the system will need to overcome. If you pick a pump rated for 2' of head more than your calculations, you should be fine.

A tee with a ball valve on the side leg allows redirection of the flow - doesn't change the flow rate out of the pump. Works well for me without any potential damage to the pump.

S-Cackalacky wrote:A tee with a ball valve on the side leg allows redirection of the flow - doesn't change the flow rate out of the pump. Works well for me without any potential damage to the pump.

A bypass valve is definitely a good way to err on the side of caution. I use a Little giant 1/3hp for another hobby, costs $140. Had two, and blew one up. A bypass valve may have saved it's life and me $140.

EcoPlus makes pumps that start below $20 and they come with several attachments for various hose connections/configurations. Available online at Amazon (~$21 for a 396 GPH) and at hydroponic shops. They're affordable enough for me to be able to keep a spare on hand when I make my runs.

It turns out that the best option was a very small pump from the Solar industry, 12 volt, plenty of volume and pressure, cost $32 on ebay. The pump I got from Harbor freight was junk, leaked the minute I turned it on, 6 weeks later I'm still waiting for a replacement. But the 12 V solar hot water pump is working great, Just 2 gallons of antifreeze in a 5 gallon bucket, lines to the pump and out to a 14" by 12" Automatic transmission cooler from Hayen, (autozone or advance autoparts)Then up to the boka and down to the small cooler in line with the boka output, and it works great. No need to use the bypass as the flow rate is just perfect. The pump is rated for continuous service, up to 30,000 hours !!!
The perfect set up for winter operation when a fresh water system would otherwise freeze up.

haha, eureka!!! antifreeze!!!
I'm moving my rig out to the garage and mid winter it is often -20 or below.

Slow brain day people, drive thru

I've been using the harbor freight pumps for a couple of years, well worth the money & they don't seem to care if the water gets a little hot either. Tough little bastards!

I second the Harbor Freight one! Cheap enough to buy two, if you have a problem, you have a back up and i have not used the back up.