Bearing temperature check – Gorman-Rupp Pumps T3A71S-B /F,/FM User Manual
Page 19
SUPER T SERIES
OM-05349
OPERATION
PAGE C - 4
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 temperature 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 MAINTENANCE
AND REPAIR). Bearing overheating can also be
caused by shaft misalignment and/or excessive vi
bration.
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.