That sounds like a hard spot to work. My wellhouse is too small too. At least we added to it’s height a little when we did some remodeling, but it’s right below a window we did not want to block. So, it is still cramped and tough to get the pipes (kinda heavy) positioned to re-crank into the pump.
Plus, the fitting that screwed into the outlet (combo elbow, flow control, priming access[flow control fully screwed “out” , and shutoff [flow control fully screwed “in”) of the old pump boke off trying to get it off. This even with (again!) many applications of PB Blaster, time, tapping on it, heating with a torch, etc. It turned out to be made of thick but soft Chinese crap pot metal. It’s threads probably seal better / easier than brass or iron, but, the tape I’d put on the threads, last go round, failed to help. I ended up having to carefully chip the bottom of it out of the pump outlet. The consistency was, I’d say, about like polypropylene, maybe just a touch harder.
Then to replace that part, NOBODY has a “T” such as is shown in the manual. I ended up spending almost $20 to come up with an assortment of several parts (A 1” Sched. 80 “T” and reducers.) I’m completely flummoxed this isn’t a std. part. (Needs to be a “T” rotated 90 deg., bottom leg (input from the pump outlet) 1” threaded, top and side legs (”out” 3/4” threaded. That then snugs up to the existing piping (which includes a union so it can all be pulled apart, with no changes to the plumbing past that.
I also bought a new pressure relief valve to screw into the top “outlet”. Problem is, that valve is now the priming access, and each time you put it back in, the threads need a new shot of teflon tape or pipe joint compound, to not leak. So, the 8 or 9 attempts to prime the “Barracuda” pump got pretty frustrating.
The old pressure gauge is unreliable too - it hangs up just below 40 lbs. when pressure decreases. Tap it and it then falls to 20 lbs. (or zero if the pump power is off and system is allowed to go to zero.) But it’s still reliable on the way up, thank goodness. Will have to get a new gauge...
The big funny: I was so “happy” when I got the new pump in and all ready to go. Due to the pump brand, the guitar riff / intro to that Heart tune “Barracuda” ran through my head as I powered it up on the 1st priming. But... Only weak little surges of water were delivered - barely a trickle. After the 9th try (the owner’s manual indicates several attempts may be needed) I wasn’t mouthing “Barracuda”! Good thing I didn’t check my blood pressure then...
The funny is that that darn riff is STILL stuck in my head. Well, I could do worse!
Maybe I’ll be sure to play the intro to Uriah Heep “Pilgrim” before I return the new pump to Menards, just in case they give me static about returning a display unit (had no box, etc.)
I know that riff well, now it’s in my head. The manhole cover over the pit was a small one too, I could fit barely and the first thing your foot hit on the way down to step on was the top of the motor. You had to get out the same way and place your foot just right and heave yourself out. Hope it goes well at menards.