Waterax B2X-18 User manual

QUICK GUIDE
B2X-18/23
• This Quick Guide shows the basic operation of the WATERAX B2X-18/23 2-stage mid-range pump.
• The WATERAX B2X-18/23 pairs a WATERAX 4-stage pump end with a Briggs & Stratton 18HP or 23HP
gasoline engine. For instructions regarding the engine, as well as for oil and fuel recommendations, please
refer to the engine manufacturer’s manual.
• For detailed instructions on using and troubleshooting your pump, as well as full service and maintenance
instructions, refer to our website to download the B2X Owner’s Manual.
• For full specifications and performance curves, see the B2X-18/23 Data Sheet.
Warnings and Safety Precautions
This warning label appears on all WATERAXpumps to identify safety
hazards as follows:
READ YOUR ENGINE MANUAL!
Before proceeding further, locate and read the engine
manufacturer’s manual. It contains very important safety
information that MUST be read, understood and followed to
safeguard you and your equipment from harm, as well as for
the proper use and care of your engine. Use only fuel and
oil type recommended in the engine manufacturer’s manual.
Always check oil level in crankcase before use.
WEAR EAR AND EYE PROTECTION.
Always wear eye and ear protection when operating the
pump unit. Sound level of the unit: 99 dB(A).
GENERAL WARNINGS:
•Do not operate if mentally or physically fatigued.
•Inspect hoses and piping to avoid burst injuries.
•No modifications and/or alterations may be made to the
pump. Any such modifications void the pump warranty
and can endanger pump operators.
•Do not operate the pump above the maximum rated
pressure. Use only pipe, hose, and fittings rated at or
above the maximum pressure rating of the pump or
system design.
•Slowly close valves. Use slow close valves wherever
possible to safeguard operators and prevent damage
from water hammer.
•Dry weight of the unit: 167 lbs (will vary depending on
options).

QUICK GUIDE
READ THE PUMP OWNER’S MANUAL!
The improper use of this pump could result in serious injuries
as well as damage to the unit. Read the B2X Owner’s
Manualbefore using your B2X pump unit and follow the
safety instructions in this Quick Guide.
NEVER RUN THE ENGINE IN A CLOSED
OR CONFINED AREA.Exhaust gas contains
carbon monoxide which is poisonous to humans.
Avoid inhalation of exhaust gas.
REFUEL ENGINE WITH CARE. Gasoline is
extremely flammable, and gasoline vapor can
explode. Refuel in a well-ventilated area, with the
engine stopped.
NEVER TOUCH ANY EXHAUST SYSTEM
PARTS WHILE ENGINE IS RUNNING. Always
allow enough time, after stopping the unit, for proper
cooling of these parts and surrounding areas.
EQUIPMENT DAMAGE PREVENTION:
•Flush the pump with fresh water if the pump has been used to pump salty, brackish, high mineral content water,
water containing debris, or foam injected water. Check that debris is cleared before using the pump again.
•Always draft water using a suction hose strainer
Parts Identification
A. Priming port
B. Pump intake (suction)
C. Pump drain ports (not shown)
D. Quick release pump clamp
E. Pump discharge
F. Low-tone muffler
G. Fuel pump (not shown)
H. Fuel valve* (not shown)
I. Starter key switch** (not shown)
J. Rewind starter (not shown)
K. Throttle** (not shown)
L. Choke (not shown)
M. Control panel*†(option)
N. Exhaust primer*‡(option)
O. Guzzler primer* (option)
* Denotes optional components.
** Items not available when Control Panel Option is
selected.
†Engine mounted control panel shown. Other options are
panel mount control panels and skid mount panels.
‡Replaces low-tone muffler
B
E
F
G
H
I
JK
LMN
O
C
A
D

QUICK GUIDE
To operate the B2X-18/23 unit:
1. Fill fuel tank with recommended fuel grade.
a. For models with an integral fuel tank, fill the tank and
securely replace cap.
b. For models without an integral fuel tank, fill the external
fuel tank and connect fuel supply line to the fuel filter.
Pump fuel to fill supply line.
Check oil level (see engine manual).
Suction/
Intake
Port
Discharge Port
2. Connect the suction hose, using a universal hose coupling
wrench to tighten coupling firmly:
Drafting Mode: Connect the strainer or footvalve strainer to the
male end of the suction hose and then connect the female end
to the pump intake. NOTE: If desired, a suction hose with a
footvalve may be filled at this time to shorten pump priming.
Flooded Suction Mode: Connect female end of suction hose
to pump intake and connect male end to hydrant or other
supply.
a. Slowly open the pump inlet valves allowing the water into
the pump body.
b. Slowly open the discharge valves and priming valves to
allow for entrapped air in the piping to escape.
c. Once all the air has escaped, slowly close any discharge
and/or drain valves so that the unit may be started.
!DO NOT allow the strainer to rest on bottom of
lake or riverbed. Check strainer frequently to
make sure that it is not clogged with moss,
leaves, etc.
!DO NOT lift strainer from water while the pump
is operating. Use a rope or other means to
keep strainer at proper height, approximately 1
foot (30 cm) below water surface. If strainer is
too close to the water surface, it will draw air
and pump may lose prime.
3. Connect discharge hose, nozzles, etc., to pump, and
tighten firmly with coupling wrench.
4. Prime the pump.
Check that all drains, discharge valves, or any auxiliary valves
are closed before priming the pump. Open the priming ball valve
(located between the pump and the primer).
Guzzler Priming: If equipped with a Guzzler primer, follow the
hand pump manufacturer’s operation instructions. Pump until
water is drawn into the pump.
Electric Priming: See instructions for your electric primer. Note
that most electric primer motors are intended to be used only a
short duration (about 20 seconds). If pump fails to prime, see
the B2X Owner’s Manualfor troubleshooting tips.
Close the priming valve after priming. Failure to close the
priming valve could cause the pump to lose prime or water to be
pumped through the priming system.
Exhaust Priming: See Step 6.
Hose connected to
priming port if using
a guzzler primer
Guzzler primer
(optional)

QUICK GUIDE
5. Start the engine.
a. With all valves closed, turn the on/off ignition key or switch (if
equipped with a Control Panel) to the “ON” position.
b. Open fuel valve.
c. Close/engage choke, if engine is cold.
d. Increase throttle past the idle position.
e. Start the engine using the key switch or the start button. Hold until
engine starts. DO NOT HOLD for more than 5 seconds. If starting
using the rewind starter, ensure that the key switch or ignition
switch (if equipped with a Control Panel) is on the "ON" position.
Give starter rope a quick steady pull until engine starts.
f. Open/disengage choke.
g. Allow the engine to warm up for at least 2 minutes before using
full throttle.
Throttle
Start
Button
On/Off
toggle switch
Engine Mount Control Panel (optional)
6. Engage the exhaust primer.
a. Open priming valve (located off the top port of the pump intake).
b. Adjust the THROTTLE to the full speed position.
c. Close and press down firmly on muffler-lever-handle or pull
priming knob (if supplied with a panel mount control panel) until a
solid stream of water flows from priming ejector.
d. Close the priming valve and re-open the muffler-lever-
handle/butterfly valve. The check valve will open automatically
under the water pressure when priming occurs.
e. Slowly open a discharge valve to validate that the pump has
been primed. If pressure does not build in the discharge hose, the
pump has not been fully primed. The valve should be closed and
the pump primed again. Continue this process until the pump has
been fully primed.
f. Reduce throttle setting and allow engine to warm up for at least 2
minutes before using full throttle.
Exhaust Primer (optional)
7. Discharge water.
Once the pump is primed, and with the engine running, you can begin
to discharge water.
a. If pressure does not build in the discharge hose, the pump has
not been fully primed. The discharge valve should be closed and
the pump primed again.
b. Adjust the pump performance by throttling the engine up or down,
or opening or closing discharge valves at various positions, or any
combination of the two
!DO NOT leave the pump running with all
the discharge valves closed for more than
one minute, or else the pump may overheat
and become damaged. To avoid this, a re-
circulation line (if provided) should be opened
or a discharge line left slightly open to allow
fresh water to continue to enter the pump.

QUICK GUIDE
To shut down and store the B2X-18/23 unit:
1. Shut down the pump.
a. Gradually reduce the engine speed.
b. Whenever the unit has been run at full throttle for most of the operation, allow the valves to remain slightly
open and run the engine at idle for approximately 2 minutes before shutting down the unit.
c. If the unit is to be stored, move the fuel valve lever to the OFF position and wait for the engine to stop.
Otherwise, set the ignition switch to the OFF position to shut down the engine.
d. Close off the hydrant/supply to the pump.
e. Open all valves to relieve any pressure left in the system.
2. Check and store the pump.
a. If the pump was last run with foam or water that is salty, brackish or high in mineral content, flush the pump
with fresh water for a minimum of 2 minutes or until the water is clear.
b. After the unit has cooled down, check all fluid levels and add as needed.
c. Completely drain the pump of all water.
d. Break down and store all equipment as outlined by the apparatus or department procedures.
e. Visually inspect the pump end. Clean any dirt or debris from the pump unit. If necessary, a mild soap and
water solution can be used. Note and report any performance irregularities or any abnormal mechanical
sounds.
f. Close all valves and plug all openings.
g. Follow any other product, component, apparatus, and departmental procedures and/or guidelines before
placing the unit in storage. Make sure all necessary tools, spares, and accessories are with the pump.
To operate the B2X-18/23 unit in cold weather:
The pump can be run in below freezing temperatures if certain precautions are taken to avoid the formation of
ice in the pump.
After priming the pump, the unit should be run at low speed for a short period of time to allow all components
to warm up before continuing with the remaining operating procedures.
Unless wrapped in a heater, drain the pump of all water if it is stopped for any length of time. The engine/drive
unit should be turned over a few revolutions to make sure all water has been removed from the pump. Drain
the pump priming line if a primer has been used.
After use, drain the pump, manifolds, and lines of all water. You can also pour some antifreeze into the pump
and circulate it through the pump and plumbing system.
Warranty, Service and Support
Product and service documentation such as tech notes, data sheets, manuals and information on the limited warranty
provided on products manufactured by WATERAX can be found on our Web site at: www.waterax.com

All information contained in this document including drawings is proprietary to
WATERAX and may not be copied, reproduced or used in whole or in part
without our prior written permission. The information in this document is
subject to change without notice. Model displayed with multiple options.
Weight and dimensions are approximated and may vary depending on options.
To help you stay #ReadyForWildres, we’ve made a few changes, placing
100% of our focus on manufacturing our core products, portable re pumps.
To do so, we’ve established a network of trusted supply and distribution
partners that can help us provide WATERAX pumps quickly in addition to
water-handling equipment and accessories.
For immediate assistance when it comes to pumps and water-handling
accessories, please contact your local dealer.
For genuine spare parts, visit our online store.
B2XTM is a trademark of Waterax.
WATERAX INC.
6635 Henri-Bourassa W.
Montreal, QC H4R 1E1
T 514 637-1818
F 514 637-3985
TF 1 855 616 616-1818
[email protected]
waterax.com