The following list of practical winterizing service tips for pumps was sent out Nov. 29 as an e-newsletter by Gorman-Rupp under the subject, "Winterize Your Pump Checklist":
Ensure more hours of trouble-free operation, and extend the working life of your pump.
1. Remove any exterior dirt or grime by thoroughly cleaning with steam or high pressure hose and cover any exposed metal with touch-up paint.
2. Flush suction and discharge lines, pump casing and impeller of all solids by pumping clear liquid for a short time (approximately one-half minute) before final shutdown. At this time, check for leaks and replace worn gaskets.
3. Drain the pump casing and all suction and discharge lines. If the casing drain port becomes clogged, insert a stiff wire or rod into the port and agitate the liquid. If solids remain in the casing or impeller vanes, remove the coverplate or disassemble the casing and flush away any remaining material.
4. If complete draining is not possible, pour a small amount of antifreeze into the casing and rotate the pump shaft to ensure coverage and mixing.
5. "Fog" or spray the interior of the casing with a commercially available petroleum aerosol to resist the potential of rust and corrosion.
6. If the pump has an oil-lubricated type seal, drain the oil in the seal cavity and refill with 30-weight non-detergent motor oil.
NOTE: If, upon draining the seal cavity, you find any significant amount of water (more than 1 teaspoon) preceding the oil, or if the oil is emulsified (mixed with water, indicated by a milky appearance), there may be a seal leakage or failure. In either case, have the seal checked and replaced if necessary before the next pumping season.7. If the bearings are oil-lubricated, drain the oil from the pedestal and refill with 30-weight non-detergent motor oil.
8. Lubricate all grease fittings.
9. Seal suction and discharge ports against the intrusion of foreign objects by covering them with tape or port plugs.
10. If possible, store the unit indoors in a clean, dry area.
11. Rotate the pump shaft approximately once a month during storage to ensure that lubricant covers the bearings, and so that the pump will not take a set and "freeze up."
Additional Procedures for Submersible Pumps
1. Remove all debris from strainer.
2. Clean the power cable, taking care to remove all grease, oil, tar, etc., that may deteriorate the cable jacket.
3. Drain the oil from the seal cavity and motor housing, where applicable, and refill with proper oil as noted in the operators manual.
NOTE: If you find any water in the motor housing or more than 1 teaspoonful in the cavity, then the pump must be disassembled and checked for leakage. This should be done by an authorized Gorman-Rupp distributor.4. Store in an upright position in a clean, dry area.
NOTE A: For maintaining and storing pump motors, engines and engine batteries, refer to manufacturer's owner/operator manual for proper procedures.NOTE B: Before operating or performing maintenance on any Gorman-Rupp pump, be sure you have read the following:* Gorman-Rupp operators manual
* Engine or Motor Manufacturer's operators manual
* Gorman-Rupp Pump Safety Handbook
* All warning tags, labels, stickers and all other literature provided concerning safe and proper operation
About Gorman-Rupp
The Gorman-Rupp Co. (www.gormanrupp.com), based in Mansfield, Ohio, is a manufacturer of pumps and related equipment for water, wastewater, construction, industrial, petroleum, original equipment, agricultural, fire and government applications.
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