SGC spotted a rather neat little device sometime ago which looked like it could have the makings of a half decent hydro pump.
http://www.soldsmart.com.au/l3.aspx?goods=GM2512RD (EDIT: search eBay as Soldsmart don't seem to carry them anymore, they come up for sale at around the 50-70 dollar mark from time to time.)They are capable of 25 bar (about 360 PSI) which should be ok as long as they're not being optimistic about the pump's capabilities...
I like the idea of this larger unit as it has a large capacity, is self contained, should keep spills to a minimum, and hopefully help to keep air out from the lines due to the removal of a need to refill while pumping the hydro up (normal grease guns need to be refilled about twice or so each side). It also allows me to add a pressure gauge into the mix, and if I'm lucky to include a drainback to the tank.
I took a while, but eventually I made the purchase as soon as they came back into stock. I also picked up the specialised schraeder chuck to attach the mini to the unit :
http://www.skygeek.com/ats-556.html This is the unit, it is provided with a 2 meter long hose, an extra isolation valve and the usual grease nipple fittings which I will turf.
The pickup is from the very bottom of the drum (fixed) while the plate slides up and down the shaft as the grease level dictates to keep the product up to the pickup as it is drawn out. I will remove this plate as well as it is not required.
(EDIT 1/3/13: I have since found it is best to leave it in as it supports the pump as you push down hard on the handle. Leaving it off puts too much strain on the lid causing cracks. Drill a few holes through to allow fluid to pass from above the plate to below..but otherwise leave it as is.)Don't be fooled by the pretty pictures, it is a cheap little unit with simple fittings and pretty crummy finish, but I am hoping it will be up for the job (fingers crossed).
The other two items I have picked up is a pressure gauge for 20 bucks new ( !! ) and the shrader valve chuck. The shrader valve I picked up for 40 Goober Dollars + a little post. I could have silver soldered up a simple cap, but i like the control this chuck can provide, and it screws straight into the grease gun's 1/8 NPT connection.
http://www.skygeek.com/ats-556.htmlI could hook it up tonight and give it a whirl, but I'm keen to include the pressure gauge into the mix and see what pressures I am playing around with as I go...so I'll wait....
I need an adaptor at the pump end of the hose to pick off the line pressure. I'll drop into Pirtek or Enzed in the morning and see how I go. I would also like to adapt a fitting in the pump head to allow me to drain the hydro lines from the car directly back in to the tank. This will help me to ensure the lines are bled, and make a quick and mess free fill/drain/refill cycle to purge the system out (as I can't evacuate the lines).
I'll let you know how I go in the morning, and post the results!