TROUBLESHOOTING (PUMP)
Check vacuum gauge reading.
If low vacuum reading, vacuum pump might not be producing rated vacuum level.
Check the water level in the hose below the fill cap. If level is above half full on the hose, check the vacuum pump temperature and check for water flow out of the vacuum pump discharge hose. Check vacuum pump hose for damage.
If the temperature and water flow
out of the vacuum pump is normal, shut off the pump, disconnect suction hose, do dry vacuum test, and check vacuum gauge. Check for air leaks including at the pump seal. If the oil level is low, add oil and redo dry vacuum test. No oil could indicate seal failure. Listen at the seal oil fill cap for an air leak.
Check vacuum at vacuum pump by disconnecting inlet hose. If low, disassemble vacuum pump and inspect.
If the vacuum pump water
temperature is high, or if there is no water flow visible, clean the filter in the water feed line. If a filter is not installed, clean the inlet orifice behind the vacuum pump turbine with a wire. If the problem persists, clean the water reservoir by flushing with clean water. A filter should be added.
Priming or Pump
Flow Problems
Check for air discharge from the elbow on the water fill tank. The cover must be on.
No | Air | High |
| Discharge? |
|
Low
Check vacuum gauge reading.
If the vacuum reading is 20” or
more, the vacuum pump is
working properly.
If the suction lift is too high,
reduce suction lift to a
maximum lift of 28 to 30 feet.
If the suction line is plugged, the
suction hose inner liner is
collapsed, the strainer is plugged or the suction is buried or stuck to the floor. Backflush to clean the strainer.
If the strainer is clear, check the
inside of the hose for
obstructions. A collapsed hose will return to normal without vacuum. Replace the hose.
If the material pumped is too thick or viscous, use a larger diameter suction hose. If the specific gravity is too high, move the pump closer to the liquid.
Check to see that the drain, surge control and backflush valves are closed.
Check the suction hose for loose
fittings and check that the strainer is under the liquid.
Shut off the pump, disconnect discharge hose and inspect the discharge check valve for wear or not closing completely. If the discharge check valve is leaking, a good piece of PVC discharge hose will collapse and the pump should prime.
If there is a continued failure to
prime and build vacuum,
disconnect the suction hose and do the dry vacuum test. If the vacuum reading is normal and there are no leaks, the problem is a suction hose leak. If vacuum reading is low, block off the pump discharge and redo dry vacuum test. If the vacuum is still low, look for a large air leak. If the seal oil level is low, add oil and redo dry vacuum test. No oil could indicate seal failure. Listen at seal oil fill cap for an air leak.
Primes but the flow is low.
Reduced flow at higher heads could indicate that the impeller- wearplate clearance needs adjusting or that there is an obstruction in the impeller.
DRY PRIME PUMP — OPERATION AND PARTS MANUAL — REV. #3 (10/06/08) — PAGE 53
