[smkranz]

I believe the SS head on the Chugger is interchangeable with the March pump's body.  Got my stainless Chugger on the way out of the NHC a couple years ago when they were getting rid of the stock they had brought at a great discount.  The stainless head is why I currently use the Chugger on my BrewEasy system, no worries about cross-threading the fittings.  As for the motors and guts of the pumps, I have never really compared them side-by-side.  Both of them just work.

[a10t2]

In order to clean these guys, do you just load the brew kettle up with some oxi-clean solution and just pump it through then rinse it with water the same way?

If your equipment allows for it, take the pump out of the loop and flip it around first. CIP counter-process in order to flush out any eddys.

[scrap iron]

I am a big "clean as you go fan", must be from being in the service. When ever I switch hoses around during brewing I always rinse the hoses and pour a little water through the pump with a measuring cup I keep handy. This keeps things from getting sticky and easier cleaning later. These pumps are very easy to take apart, 4 screws to remove the head and 4 screws to remove the cover. Inside is a o-ring the impeller and a small Teflon thrust washer that wears down. I take mine apart after every brew and run hot water through it. If there is a little build up I use some rubbing alcohol and q-tips to remove it. Then just rinse with hot water. Sure has been a back saver. I  even use it to pump my water to the HLT up above on my stand. Pour water into BK and pump up to HLT, this is a good way to test pump function at the start of the brewing session.

[davidw]

Now I'm curious about this Teflon thrust washer, will have to take mine apart this weekend and check it out. I've ran 400+ batches through the pump, mash recirc, pumping to the kettle, as well as the (rare) pumping through the heat exchange coil in the HLT and don't notice any poor performance. In fact, pumping to the kettle I typically have to throttle back or it's like a high pressure washer coming out of the ss wand on the end of the hose that I use to transfer.

[coolman26]

In order to clean these guys, do you just load the brew kettle up with some oxi-clean solution and just pump it through then rinse it with water the same way?

If your equipment allows for it, take the pump out of the loop and flip it around first. CIP counter-process in order to flush out any eddys.

Thanks, I can't believe I didn't think of this.  I bet that will knock out some stuff when breaking my valves down.  Will be SOP from now on.

[smkranz]

Now I'm curious about this Teflon thrust washer, will have to take mine apart this weekend and check it out. I've ran 400+ batches through the pump, mash recirc, pumping to the kettle, as well as the (rare) pumping through the heat exchange coil in the HLT and don't notice any poor performance. In fact, pumping to the kettle I typically have to throttle back or it's like a high pressure washer coming out of the ss wand on the end of the hose that I use to transfer.

It seems to me that the little Thrust Washer acts as a low-friction spacer between the impeller and the face of the housing.  When my pump started acting out a few years ago after many batches (making noise and seizing), I took it apart and as I remember it, the thrust washer was gone, presumably chewed up and spit out.  No idea what caused it.  I never run the pump dry, and never let it try out with wort still inside.  I bought a bunch of them from Williams Brewing, kept what I thought I might possibly use in a lifetime, and gave the rest to my LHBS for a wee bit of credit there.

[fmader]

Thanks for the input guys. I went with the Chugger and got it mounted today during the brew day. I didn't use it today for brewing, but I did run soapy water through it during the clean up. It's running about 5 gallons s minute.

[JT]

On a side note, regardless of brand pump is the plastic head ok? Of course SS is more durable and easier to clean/sanitize, just wondering if it's a make or break upgrade.

I called March with this question before I bought mine.  The tech assured me their synthetic will hold up to the heat and was meant for brewing applications.  In short, he said the only practical difference is durability: a plastic pump head may crack if you kick it or drop something heavy onto it.  I can tell you I pump boiling wort, PBW and Saniclean through mine, no problems.