It's always been my policy when far from home to tinker as little as possible, as 'well-intentioned interventions' can sometimes make matters a whole lot worse.
How bad an oil leak I wonder?
But, given that it's already off, surely the simplest thing would be to fit the other pump and see if it does work? Won't take long to find out. Or it might at least buy time to get a robust repair done on the cracked pump. I don't use one myself and I'm not sure what it's made of but I have in mind welding / brazing / soldering etc.
As you say Ruairidh, the simple and commendably practical alternative is to bung it with the nearest available glue / putty - I suspect the choice is more about availability and cost than preference (I was looking for glue to mend tent poles in Norway last summer and had a nasty shock!) I'd try to flush it with brake cleaner or similar first to make sure it sticks properly.
If someone has a good pump to send him I could possibly arrange a contact in St. Petersburg to receive it and liaise with Chris for collection, if there is room in his schedule.
How bad an oil leak I wonder?
But, given that it's already off, surely the simplest thing would be to fit the other pump and see if it does work? Won't take long to find out. Or it might at least buy time to get a robust repair done on the cracked pump. I don't use one myself and I'm not sure what it's made of but I have in mind welding / brazing / soldering etc.
As you say Ruairidh, the simple and commendably practical alternative is to bung it with the nearest available glue / putty - I suspect the choice is more about availability and cost than preference (I was looking for glue to mend tent poles in Norway last summer and had a nasty shock!) I'd try to flush it with brake cleaner or similar first to make sure it sticks properly.
If someone has a good pump to send him I could possibly arrange a contact in St. Petersburg to receive it and liaise with Chris for collection, if there is room in his schedule.