Manual Transfer Pumps for Oil, Coolant, and Diesel Fuel

Frequently Asked Questions About Manual Decanting Pumps

Manual transfer pumps are particularly well-suited for tasks that require the continuous transfer of liquids from one container to another without the use of an electric or pneumatic pump. The pump capacity, hose length, fluid, and workstation determine which model is most appropriate. Here, we answer frequently asked questions about the selection and use of Leitenberger manual transfer pumps.

• How does a manual transfer pump work?

  The pump has separate suction and discharge sides.
  
  When the pump handle is pulled out, fluid is drawn into the pump cylinder through the suction side.
  
  When the handle is then pushed in, the fluid is discharged through the discharge side.
  
  By repeatedly pulling and pushing the handle, the fluid can be continuously transferred from one container or system to another.

• What is the advantage of the dual connection?

  The dual connection allows the liquid to be drawn in and discharged through two separate lines.
  
  This eliminates the need to reconnect the pump or drain it separately after each stroke.
  
  For example, the suction side can remain permanently connected to the supply tank, while the discharge side leads to the destination tank or filling station.

• What types of manual transfer pumps does Leitenberger offer?

  The following models, among others, are currently available:

  • HAP 125 – 125 ml
  • HAP 250 – 250 ml
  • HAP 600 – 600 ml
  • HAP 600F – 600 ml with base plate
  • HAP 3000F – 3,000 ml with base plate
  • HAP 500T – 500 ml with transparent, graduated pump cylinder

  This allows the pump size to be adapted to the volume of liquid, accessibility, and desired operating speed.

• Which manual transfer pump should I choose?

  The selection depends in particular on:

  • required flow rate
  • available workspace
  • hose length
  • desired mobility
  • number of pumping cycles
  • need for a flow scale

  For small volumes, the HAP 125 or HAP 250 are compact options.

  For regular workshop tasks, the HAP 600, for example, is a good choice.

  For larger volumes of fluid, the HAP 600F or HAP 3000F with a base plate may offer advantages.

  If the flow rate also needs to be monitored, the HAP 500T is a good option.

• When is the HAP 125 a good choice?

  With a pump volume of 125 ml, the HAP 125 is currently the smallest manual transfer pump.

  It is particularly suitable for:

  • smaller volumes of liquid
  • limited workspace
  • precise transfer
  • applications where a larger pump would be unwieldy

  For larger volumes of liquid, pumps with a higher volume per stroke are more efficient.

• When is the HAP 250 a good choice?

  With a displacement of 250 ml per stroke, the HAP 250 offers a higher flow rate than the HAP 125, yet remains comparatively compact.
  
  It is therefore suitable for workshop tasks that involve regularly transferring small to medium quantities of liquid.

• When is the HAP 600 a good choice?

  The HAP 600 has a pump volume of 600 ml per stroke.
  
  This allows a larger volume of liquid to be transferred with fewer pump strokes.
  
  It is suitable, for example, for regularly transferring engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, or diesel fuel.

• What is the difference between the HAP 600 and the HAP 600F?

  Both pumps have a displacement of 600 ml per stroke.
  
  The HAP 600F also features a footplate.
  
  This helps stabilize the pump during operation, which can be particularly helpful during repeated pumping cycles.
  
  In addition, the HAP 600F has longer suction and discharge hoses.

• How long are the hoses on the HAP 600F?

  The HAP 600F comes with:

  • a 3-meter suction hose
  • a 3-meter discharge hose.

  This allows the supply and destination tanks to be positioned even at a greater distance from each other.

• When is the HAP 3000F a good choice?

  With a displacement of 3,000 ml, or 3 liters, per stroke, the HAP 3000F has the largest displacement in this product group.
  
  It is therefore particularly well-suited for larger volumes of liquid where the number of pump strokes needs to be kept to a minimum.
  
  The base plate ensures stable operation of the high-displacement pump.

• How long are the hoses on the HAP 3000F?

  The HAP 3000F comes with:

  • 1 m suction hose
  • 1 m discharge hose.

  The hose connections are designed for hoses with an inner diameter of 20/22 mm.

• When is a pump with a base plate a good choice?

  A footrest is particularly helpful with larger pumps or when pumping frequently.
  
  It allows you to stabilize the pump with your foot while operating the pump handle with your hands.
  
  This can make it easier to transfer larger amounts of liquid.

• What is the HAP 500T?

  The HAP 500T is a manual transfer pump featuring:

  • Dual connections
  • 500 ml pump volume
  • Transparent Plexiglas cylinder
  • Scale from 0 to 500 ml
  • 10-ml graduations

  It thus combines the continuous operation of a transfer pump with the ability to read the volume of liquid being dispensed.

• Why is the HAP 500T transparent?

  The pump cylinder is made of Plexiglas.
  
  This allows the medium to be visually monitored during the pumping process.
  
  In addition, the scale markings enable the volume to be determined.

• How accurately can the volume be read on the HAP 500T?

  The scale ranges from 0 to 500 ml and has 10-ml graduations.
  
  This makes the HAP 500T particularly suitable for tasks where the volume of liquid transferred must also be monitored.
  
  However, the scale is not a substitute for a calibrated laboratory or precision measuring device.

• Is the HAP 500T a manual metering pump?

  The HAP 500T also features a metering function thanks to its transparent, graduated cylinder.

  However, it operates on the principle of a manual transfer pump with separate suction and discharge sides.

  For applications where a specific volume of liquid needs to be drawn in and then dispensed, manual metering pumps with graduations are also available.

• What is the difference between a manual transfer pump and a manual suction pump?

  With a hand-operated suction pump, liquid is drawn into the pump cylinder and remains there initially until it is dispensed in a controlled manner.

  A hand-operated transfer pump, on the other hand, has separate suction and discharge sides.

  As a result, the liquid is drawn in when the pump is pulled and is immediately discharged when it is pushed.

  The hand-operated transfer pump is therefore more convenient for continuous transfer.

• What is the difference between a manual transfer pump and a manual metering pump?

  The primary function of a manual transfer pump is the continuous transfer of fluid from one point to another.

  A manual metering pump is specifically designed for applications in which a defined volume of fluid needs to be drawn in or dispensed.

  When volume is a critical factor, a metered version may be the more suitable choice.

• What is the difference between a manual transfer pump and a vacuum suction device?

  A vacuum suction device with a collection tank creates a vacuum and draws liquid into a separate tank.

  The manual transfer pump, on the other hand, moves the fluid directly from the suction side to the discharge side.

  It does not require a separate collection tank, nor does it require compressed air or electricity.

• Do manual transfer pumps require electricity?

  No.
  
  The pumps are operated entirely by hand.
  
  This makes them suitable for mobile service work even without a power supply.

• Do manual transfer pumps require compressed air?

  No.
  
  The pumping action is generated solely by moving the pump handle.
  
  Compressed air from a workshop is not required.

• What types of liquids can be pumped using the manual transfer pumps?

  The typical fluids for which it is designed are:

  • Motor oil
  • Transmission fluid
  • Coolant
  • Diesel fuel

  Before each use, check whether the pump in question and its seals are designed for the corresponding fluid.

• Can engine oil be transferred using a hand-operated transfer pump?

  Yes.

  Engine oil is one of the typical fluids used with manual transfer pumps.

  For example, these pumps can be used to transfer oil from a storage tank to a suitable service or intermediate tank.

  You can find additional equipment for working on the engine lubrication system under Test and Service Equipment for Engine Lubrication and Oil Service.

• Can transmission fluid be transferred using a hand-operated transfer pump?

  Yes.

  Transmission fluid is one of the fluids for which suitable manual transfer pumps are designed.

  The pump can be used, for example, to transfer transmission fluid between containers.

  For vehicle- or transmission-specific filling procedures, however, transmission fluid filling pumps and filling adapters are the more appropriate product group.

• Can a transmission be filled directly using a manual transfer pump?

  That depends on the transmission and the specified filling procedure.

  For simple fill points, a suitable hand pump can generally be used to deliver fluid.

  However, many modern transmissions require:

  • specific fill adapters
  • a defined oil temperature
  • a specific oil level
  • a vehicle-specific filling procedure

  For this purpose, transmission oil fill pumps and fill adapters should be used.

• Can coolant be pumped using a one-hand transfer pump?

  Yes.

  Coolant is one of the intended fluids.

  A suitable manual transfer pump can be used for simple transfer or manual filling.

  On the other hand, radiator vacuum filling units are suitable for evacuating and filling entire cooling systems with minimal air.

• Can diesel be transferred using a hand-operated transfer pump?

  Yes.

  Diesel is one of the fluids covered by this product group.

  However, for specific work on the vehicle's fuel system, fuel extraction and transfer devices or other fuel system test and diagnostic equipment may be more suitable.

• Can gasoline be dispensed using the manual transfer pumps?

  No.
  
  The pumps in this product group are not intended for use with gasoline.
  
  For highly flammable fluids, equipment specifically approved for such use and the appropriate safety procedures must be followed.

• Can brake fluid be transferred using a hand-operated transfer pump?

  No.

  The manual transfer pumps in this product group are not intended for use with brake fluid.

  When working on the brake system, appropriate brake bleeding units and service equipment approved for this purpose should be used.

• Can acids or alkalis be pumped using the manual transfer pumps?

  No.
  
  This product group is not intended for acids or alkalis.
  
  Inappropriate fluids can damage pump components and seals.

• Why is media compatibility so important?

  Pump cylinders, caps, seals, and hoses can be subjected to varying degrees of stress depending on the fluid.

  An unsuitable fluid can:

  • damage seals
  • corrode plastics
  • cause leaks
  • impair pump function

  Therefore, the fluid compatibility specifications for the respective pump must be observed.

• Can the same pump be used for different fluids?

  In general, a pump may be suitable for multiple approved media.
  
  However, residual amounts may remain in hoses and pump cylinders.
  
  If mixing of different operating fluids must be avoided, separate pumps should be used or appropriate cleaning procedures should be established.

• Why is this especially important when dealing with different types of oil?

  Engine and transmission oils have different specifications and additive systems.
  
  If residual amounts of a different oil remain in the pump system, they can enter the new fluid.
  
  For sensitive applications, it is therefore recommended to clearly identify the pump or to use a controlled flushing procedure.

• Can the manual transfer pump be used to pump liquid from a drum into a smaller container?

  Generally speaking, yes, provided the hose length, pump capacity, and fluid are suitable for the application.

  However, if you regularly work directly with larger drums, a drum suction pump designed specifically for this purpose may be more convenient.

• When is a drum suction pump a better choice?

  A drum suction pump is specifically designed for drawing liquid from larger containers or drums.

  A manual transfer pump offers greater flexibility and portability when transferring liquid between various smaller containers or directly onto a vehicle.

• Can a manual transfer pump also suck up liquid?

  On the suction side, liquid is, of course, drawn in.

  The key difference from a hand-operated suction pump, however, is that when the pump is subsequently pressed, the fluid is immediately discharged through the discharge side.

  It is therefore primarily designed as a transfer pump.

• Can I take a liquid sample using a hand-operated transfer pump?

  In principle, the pump can be used to transfer liquids.
  
  However, to ensure that the sample is analytically valid, it is essential that the pump cylinder and tubing are clean and that no residual media contaminate the sample.
  
  For professional media analyses, a sampling procedure suitable for this purpose should be used.

• What are the advantages of transparent hoses?

  Transparent suction and discharge hoses allow for visual monitoring of the pumping process.

  This makes it possible, for example, to determine:

  • when liquid is being drawn in
  • whether there is air in the hose
  • when the fluid reaches the discharge side

  This makes it easier, in particular, to start a transfer operation.

• How long are the hoses on the small manual transfer pumps?

  For example, the HAP 125 comes with:

  • 0.50 m suction hose
  • 0.50 m discharge hose.

  The HAP 500T also uses suction and discharge hoses that are each 0.50 m long.

  Hose length should be taken into account when selecting a model if the supply and destination tanks are located far apart.

• What hose connections does the HAP 125 have?

  The HAP 125 has a loose G 3/8 union nut on the suction side.
  
  Connections for hoses with an inner diameter of 10/15 mm are available.
  
  The required connection type depends on the specific pump model.

• What hose size does the HAP 600F use?

  The HAP 600F is designed for suction and pressure hoses with an inner diameter of 10/15 mm.
  
  The included transparent hoses are each 3 meters long.

• What hose size does the HAP 3000F use?

  The high-capacity HAP 3000F is equipped with connections for hoses with an inner diameter of 20/22 mm.
  
  This ensures that the hose cross-section is also matched to the significantly larger pump volume of 3 liters per stroke.

• Does a manual transfer pump need to be filled before the first stroke?

  During the pumping process, the fluid is drawn into the pump cylinder through the suction side.
  
  Depending on the hose length and installation configuration, several strokes may be required initially until the suction hose is completely filled with fluid.
  
  The suction connection must be securely immersed in the fluid, and all connections must be leak-free.

• What could be the cause if the pump isn't drawing in any liquid?

  Possible causes may include, for example:

  • The suction hose is not fully submerged in the fluid
  • The connection is not airtight
  • The hose is kinked
  • The suction line is unsuitable
  • The pump or seal is damaged
  • The fluid is unsuitable for the pump or application

  The entire suction line should be inspected before further use.

• Can the manual transfer pump be operated dry?

  The pumps are designed to handle suitable liquids.
  
  Unnecessary dry running should be avoided, especially if it could cause stress on seals or pump components.
  
  Product-specific guidelines should be followed for maintenance and operation.

• Does the pump need to be cleaned after a media change?

  If a different fluid is pumped afterward, care should be taken to prevent residual fluid from the pump cylinder and hoses from contaminating the new fluid.

  Depending on the application, the following may therefore be advisable:

  • cleaning
  • a separate set of hoses
  • or a dedicated pump.
• Which pump is best suited for mobile service technicians?

  In general, all manual transfer pumps are portable, as they require neither electricity nor compressed air.
  
  For small service tasks, the HAP 125, HAP 250, and HAP 600 offer compact solutions.
  
  If larger volumes of liquid need to be transferred on a regular basis, the models with a base plate may be a good choice.

• Which pump is suitable for larger fluid volumes?

  For larger volumes of liquid within this product group, the HAP 3000F offers the highest flow rate at 3,000 ml per stroke.

  If you regularly work directly from large drums, you should also consider a drum suction pump.

• What equipment is recommended for flexible transfer operations?

  Depending on the workshop tasks, a combination of:

  • manual transfer pumps for continuous delivery
  • manual extraction pumps for targeted removal
  • manual metering pumps for specific quantities
  • vacuum extraction units for larger extraction volumes
  • drum extraction pumps for larger storage containers

  may be appropriate.

  You can find additional solutions under Pumps and Fluid Handling for Automotive Workshops.