Gorman-Rupp Pumps VG5C3-B 1188885 and up - Manual (Page 17)

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.