Gorman-Rupp Pumps 86A2-B 819132 and up - Manual (Page 18)

OM−00950 80 SERIES
OPERATION PAGE C − 3
equipment. If backflushing is absolutely neces-
sary, liquid pressure must be limited to 50% of the
maximum permissible operating pressure shown
on the pump performance curve (see Section E,
Page 1).
Pump Vacuum Check
With the pump inoperative, install a vacuum gauge
in the system, using pipe dope on the threads.
Block the suction line and start the pump. At oper-
ating speed the pump should pull a vacuum of 20
inches (508,0 mm) or more of mercury. If it does
not, check for air leaks in the seal, gasket, or dis-
charge valve.
Open the suction line, and read the vacuum gauge
with the pump primed and at operation speed.
Shut off the pump. The vacuum gauge reading will
immediately drop proportionate to static suction
lift, and should then stabilize. If the vacuum reading
falls off rapidly after stabilization, an air leak exists.
Before checking for the source of the leak, check
the point of installation of the vacuum gauge.
STOPPING
Never halt the flow of liquid suddenly. If the liquid
being pumped is stopped abruptly, damaging
shock waves can be transmitted to the pump and
piping system. Close all connecting valves slowly.
If the application involves a high discharge
head, gradually close the discharge
throttling valve before stopping the pump.
After stopping the pump, lock out or disconnect
the power source to ensure that the pump will re-
main inoperative.
Cold Weather Preservation
In below freezing conditions, drain the pump to
prevent damage from freezing. Also, clean out any
solids by flushing with a hose. Operate the pump
for approximately one minute; this will remove any
remaining liquid that could freeze the pump rotat-
ing parts. If the pump will be idle for more than a
few hours, or if it has been pumping liquids con-
taining a large amount of solids, drain the pump,
and flush it thoroughly with clean water. To prevent
large solids from clogging the drain port and pre-
venting the pump from completely draining, insert
a rod or stiff wire in the drain port, and agitate the
liquid during the draining process. Clean out any
remaining solids by flushing with a hose.
BEARING TEMPERATURE CHECK
Bearings normally run at higher than ambient tem-
peratures because of heat generated by friction.
Temperatures up to 160
_F (71_C) are considered
normal for bearings, and they can operate safely to
at least 180
_F (82_C).
Checking bearing temperatures by hand is inaccu-
rate. Bearing temperatures can be measured ac-
curately by placing a contact-type thermometer
against the housing. Record this temperature for
future reference.
A sudden increase in bearing temperatures is a
warning that the bearings are at the point of failing
to operate properly. Make certain that the bearing
lubricant is of the proper viscosity and at the cor-
rect level (see LUBRICATION in Section E). Bear-
ing overheating can also be caused by shaft
misalignment and/or excessive vibration.
When pumps are first started, the bearings may
seem to run at temperatures above normal. Con-
tinued operation should bring the temperatures
down to normal levels.