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Bearing temperature check – Gorman-Rupp Pumps VG5C3-B 1188885 and up User Manual

Page 17

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VG SERIES

OM-02816

OPERATION

PAGE C - 4

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.