Gorman-Rupp Pumps 62E31-B All serial numbers - Manual (Page 17)

60 SERIES PUMPS OM−04020
PAGE C − 4 OPERATION
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.
If the application of this pump is limited to petro-
leum products, normal freezing conditions will not
damage the pump. However, during extremely se-
vere conditions care should be exercised during
start-up, especially if the pump has been idle for
more than a few hours.
BEARING TEMPERATURE CHECK
The standard bearings used in this pump are per-
manently sealed and lubricated by the manufac-
turer. However due to temperature changes and
the danger of moisture contamination, the bearing
cavity is also partially filled with grease.
Optional oil lubricated bearings are not fully
sealed, and oil is required within the bearing hous-
ing to lubricate them and protect them from mois-
ture condensation.
Monitor the condition of the bearing lubri-
cant regularly for evidence of rust or mois-
ture condensation. This is especially im-
portant in areas where variable hot and
cold temperatures are common.
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 temperatures 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 MAINTE-
NANCE AND REPAIR Manual). Bearing overheat-
ing can also be caused by shaft misalignment and/
or excessive 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.