Waterax BB-4-18/23 Quick Manual

BB-4-18/23 Quick Guide

This Quick Guide shows the basic operation of the
WATERAX BB-4-18/23 4-stage high pressure pump.

 The WATERAX BB-4 pump model pairs a WATERAX 4-

stage pump end with a Briggs & Stratton Vanguard 18
HP or 23 HP gasoline engine. For engine instructions,
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
BB-4 Owner’s Manual.

 For full specifications and performance curves, see the

BB-4-18 or BB-4-23 Data Sheets.

Warnings and Safety Precautions

This warning label appears on all WATERAX pumps 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/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: 164 lbs (will vary depending on

options).

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 BB-4 Owner’s
Manual before using your BB-4 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 the muffler and surrounding parts.

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.

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BB-4-18/23 Quick Guide

Parts Identification

A. Priming cap
B. Pump intake (suction)
C. Pump drain port (not shown)
D. Pump discharge
E. Quick release pump clamp
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

A

B

D

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

N

O

M

C

E

1. Fill fuel tank with recommended fuel grade.

a. For models with an integral fuel tank, fill tank and securely

replace cap.

b. For models without an integral fuel tank, fill external fuel tank

and connect fuel supply line to the fuel filter. Pump fuel to fill
supply line.

Check oil level (see engine manual).

Priming

Port

Suction/

Intake

Port

Discharge Port

2. Connect the suction hose, using a universal hose coupling
wrench to tighten coupling firmly:

Drafting Mode: Connect footvalve strainer to male end of suction
hose, then fill suction hose with water and connect to pump
intake.

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 opened

valves so that the unit may be started.

! DO NOT allow footvalve 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.

To operate the BB-4-18/23 unit:

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