Gorman-Rupp Pumps VGH1 1/2D31-B 1379872 thru 1211821 - Manual (Page 17)

VGH SERIES OM−06116
OPERATION PAGE C − 4
To avoid serious damage to the pump,
check for unusual noises or excessive vi-
bration while the pump is running. If noise
or vibration is excessive, stop operation
and refer to the TROUBLESHOOTING,
Section D, before resuming operation.
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.
On engine driven pumps, reduce the throttle
speed slowly and allow the engine to idle briefly be-
fore stopping.
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 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 the Maintenance
And Repair manual). Bearing overheating can
also be caused by shaft misalignment and/or ex-
cessive 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.
LUBRICATION
Do not remove plates, covers, gauges,
pipe plugs or fittings from an over-
heated pump. Vapor pressure within the
pump can cause parts being disen-
gaged to be ejected with great force. Al-
low the pump to completely cool before
servicing.
On a new pump, check the oil level in the bearing
cavity before initial startup, after the first two weeks
of operation, and every month thereafter.
Before installing or removing a lubrication plug, al-
ways clean the area around the plug to prevent
contamination.
Seal Assembly
The self lubricated seal assembly is lubricated by
the medium being pumped, or by a flow of fresh liq-