renovating a 6" sykes pump auto priming

[mickmtb]

wotcha
im trying to sort out a sykes water pump
the engine is a lister st3 i have that running.
ive rebuilt the vacuum head, remaking a new valve new springs and new seals
i have a reasonable vacuum how ever it wont pump
i know ive yet to sort out the input shaft seal which is leaking
has any one got a manual for the water pump.
i believe its from the 1960s
it was donated to the club with the engine siezed
i got the engine running
then started work on the pump
the self priming was knackered
but i think ive got all that close to working as it should how ever with no parts diagram or manual for the pump its a slow process
this pump is the early type with out the non return valve on the inlet hose

cheers
mick

[Matchless?58]

I recall that when I worked at shell haven we used to have this type of pump . To get it started pumping we used to stick a 2 gallon bucket of water down the hose that usually did the trick.
It was a good few years ago so memory may be a bit hazy. Don't think the self priming is that great on any of those pumps.