I'm in the process of rebuilding an Ampico pump, from a grand, that is
presenting some unusual problems I've not encountered previously.  This
pump (age unknown) is the type that has wooden connecting rods with
spring loaded wedges.

It appears that at some point in its life, this pump got wet or was
stored in high humidity.  As I disassembled the crankshaft and connecting
rods, I found the bearing pins on the crank-rod spider and bellows crank-
pins to be rusted and rough.  I've never known if these pins are plated
or solid steel.

What is the probability of success by cleaning them up as best possible,
then having them re-plated?  If replated, what finally dimension should
they come out to?  Exactly 3/8"?  If replating is not feasible, what
are my options?

I fear these pins were originally accurately machined, and after plating,
they will not emerge true round, making that an exercise in futility.

Has anybody out there faced a similar situation?  How resolved?

The ball bearings seem to have also suffered from the moisture.  When
cleaned up, and dry, they rotate with a degree of roughness that I do not
feel comfortable with.  I suspect they are pitted.  These original ball
bearings are marked "NORMA 200", contain 7 balls, have an dimension of 1
5/32" OD,  3/8" ID, and 5/16" thick.  There are 2 in the spider and 2 in
the cast iron cover.

Are bearing houses likely to have available contemporary bearings that I
can use as replacements?  If so, does anyone have specs of what I should
be looking for?

The connecting rods and their spring loaded adjustment wedges appear to
be OK, although extremely dirty.  After cleanup, I'm hopeful the usual
graphite lubricant will be sufficient.  Anybody have some suggestions on
things to watch out for and to do while the whole thing is apart on my
workbench?  I do have Craig's 1980 article on pump rebuilding which does
contain much useful information and advice.

Bellows are all okay and have been recovered and reassembled into their
square configuration.  Manifold is not yet installed.

Is there anyone out there fabricating replacement connecting rods of an
improved design?

Much appreciate whatever advice might emerge from this inquiry.

Regards,

Terry Smythe                   smythe@mts.net
55 Rowand Avenue               smythe@freenet.mb.ca
Winnipeg, MB, Canada  R3J 2N6  (204) 832-3982 (voice/fax)
http://www.winnipeg.freenet.mb.ca/~smythe