I don't know if anyone in this group can help with this, but it's worh
a try. I'm using a small pond pump (L G Sourcing Model MD 170) to
operate a
contraption I built to open and close a small sliding wooden door on a
chicken coop on a timer. It pumps water into a jug (attached to door by
pulley) that has a slow leak so the door stays open while the pump runs
all day (jug stays full), and then at night (pump off) the water leaves
the jug and the door closes. Worked like a charm since June when I made
it, but now that cold weather is approaching, I need to modify the
system. Here's my question: Does anyone know whether or not this (or
any pond pump) will be damaged if I substitute windshield washer fluid
(methanol based) for the water? I've contacted the pump manufacturer
about this but haven't heard back yet.

Thanks

Lynn Willis

wrote in message
Here's my question: Does anyone know whether or not this (or
any pond pump) will be damaged if I substitute windshield washer fluid
(methanol based) for the water? I've contacted the pump manufacturer
about this but haven't heard back yet.

Thanks

Lynn Willis

Rather than the washer fluid, I'd consider using RV antifreeze. According
to this web site, it would be safe for your pump.
http://www.campingworld.com/browse/s...13&skunum=4535

Windshield washer solution will quickly evaporate leaving the pump dry and
the door closed.

wrote in message
oups.com...
I don't know if anyone in this group can help with this, but it's worh
a try. I'm using a small pond pump (L G Sourcing Model MD 170) to
operate a
contraption I built to open and close a small sliding wooden door on a
chicken coop on a timer. It pumps water into a jug (attached to door by
pulley) that has a slow leak so the door stays open while the pump runs
all day (jug stays full), and then at night (pump off) the water leaves
the jug and the door closes. Worked like a charm since June when I made
it, but now that cold weather is approaching, I need to modify the
system. Here's my question: Does anyone know whether or not this (or
any pond pump) will be damaged if I substitute windshield washer fluid
(methanol based) for the water? I've contacted the pump manufacturer
about this but haven't heard back yet.

Thanks

Lynn Willis

It's probably pretty poisonous to animals. Substitute sand.

--
Ron Hardin


On the internet, nobody knows you're a jerk.

Interesting idea. I checked out the website and maybe it will indeed
work. Thanks.

Lynn

Is it a closed system? As in, where does the fluid go when it drips out of
the container?

A liquid like washer fluid will evaporate, probably too fast to be
practical. You'd need something else. Automotive anti-freeze comes to mind
but can be toxic to some animals. If you rigged this thing up to use tubing
to seal up the fluid then you might consider it. Simple 1/4" tubing like
that used for micro-drip irrigation might be right. That and you could put
a 1/4" valve on it to fine-tune the flow amount.

wrote:
I don't know if anyone in this group can help with this, but it's worh
a try. I'm using a small pond pump (L G Sourcing Model MD 170) to
operate a
contraption I built to open and close a small sliding wooden door on a
chicken coop on a timer. It pumps water into a jug (attached to door by
pulley) that has a slow leak so the door stays open while the pump runs
all day (jug stays full), and then at night (pump off) the water leaves
the jug and the door closes. Worked like a charm since June when I made
it, but now that cold weather is approaching, I need to modify the
system. Here's my question: Does anyone know whether or not this (or
any pond pump) will be damaged if I substitute windshield washer fluid
(methanol based) for the water? I've contacted the pump manufacturer
about this but haven't heard back yet.

Thanks

Lynn Willis


To answer your question, most small pumps are fine
with windshield washer fluid or a regular auto or
RV antifreeze.

You need to rethink your system for winter, summer
using water with a simple system makes a lot of
sense. Winter requires something that doesn't
freeze and that costs money if you simply dump it.

Possibly two pumps one to fill the first jug and
open the door and one to pump it out of that jug
to a storage jug. All you need a simple float
operated switch to turn the pump off. There is
really no reason in having a pump operating
continually.