Goulds Pumps 3409 - IOM - Manual (Page 33)

Texaco Multifak EP-2 and Shell Alvania EP-2.
Greases made from animal or vegetable oils are not
recommended due to the danger of deterioration and
forming of acid. Do not use graphite.
In greasing anti-friction bearings, the use of high pressure
equipment is not only unnecessary, but is actually
undesirable unless used with great care. High pressure may
damage the bearings or seals, cause unnecessary loss of
grease, create a danger of overheating due to over greasing,
and produce unsightly conditions around the bearing.
Excess grease is the most common cause of overheating.
Adequate lubrication is assured if the level of grease is
maintained at about the capacity of the bearing and 1/3 to
1/2 of the cavity between the bearing and grease fitting. Any
greater amount will, as a rule, be discharged by the seal or vent
and be wasted.
The importance of proper lubrication cannot be over
emphasized. Lubrication frequency depends upon the speed,
size and type of bearing, and operating temperature or
environmental conditions. Generally, the smaller the bearing
and faster the speed, the more frequent the interval for
relubrication with grease. It is recommended that a certain
amount of grease be added at intervals of three to six months to
replace the small quantity of grease lost between grease flushing
intervals. For average bearing housing designs, one (1) ounce
of grease will be sufficient at these intervals. For larger or
smaller bearing housings this amount may have to be adjusted.
Unfortunately, there is not a grease available which will not
harden over time and become less suitable for its purpose due to
oxidation. Therefore, it is good practice to remove all the old
grease about once a year and thoroughly clean the bearings. This
should be done during major overhauls. After gaining
experience with each individual pump and its operating
characteristics, the relubrication and flushing intervals may be
adjusted accordingly. Keep good records and add grease at
regular intervals. Then adjustments can be made after the first
overhaul, if necessary.
PERIODIC ADDITION OF GREASE
Grease lubricated ball bearings are packed with grease at the
factory. Store the pump in a clean, dry place prior to its first
operation.
If one is uncertain about the amount of grease in a bearing at
relubrication intervals, the safe rule is to add grease slowly (one
ounce at a time) as the bearing operates (if this is safe).
Remember, a ball or roller bearing in most applications is
assured of adequate lubrication if the level of grease is
maintained at about the capacity of the bearing and 1/3 to 1/2 of
the cavity between the bearing and grease fitting. Any greater
amount will, as a rule, be discharged by the seals or vent and be
wasted. Excess grease is the most common cause of overheating
of the bearings. Remove vent plugs for the first 24 hours of
operation after regreasing.
BEARING TEMPERATURE
Normally the maximum desirable operating temperature for ball
bearings is 180° F. Special designs may have higher limits.
Should the temperature of the bearing frame rise above the limit,
the pump should be shut down to determine the cause. A
bearing frame which feels hot to the touch of the hand is not
necessarily running hot. Check with an accurate temperature
measuring device to be sure.
OIL LUBRICATION OF BEARINGS
Oil lubrication on 3409 pumps is considered optional. Oil
lubricated pumps are installed with Trico oilers (See Fig.
14). The oilers keep the oil level in the housings constant at
proper level.
After the pump has been installed, flush the housing to
remove dirt, grit, and other impurities that may have
entered the bearing housing during shipment or installation;
then refill the housing with proper lubricant. (The housing
must be filled using the Trico oiler.) The oil level will be
maintained by the Trico oiler. (See the SERVICE section
for the proper instructions.)
A Mobil Oil, DTE Medium, or equal, meeting the following
specification will provide satisfactory lubrication. Similar
oils can be furnished by all major oil companies. It is the
responsibility of the oil vendor to supply a suitable lubricant.
(1) Saybolt viscosity at 100° F . . . . . . . . . . . 215 SSU-240 SSU
(2) Saybolt viscosity at 210° F . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 SSU
(3) Viscosity index, minimum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
(4) API gravity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28-33
(5) Pour point, maximum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +20° F
(6) Flash point, minimum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400° F
(7) Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rust & Oxidation Inhibitors
(8) ISO viscosity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
NOTE: Oils from different suppliers should not be
mixed. Engine oils are not recommended.
3409 IOM 11/04
33
Fig. 14
5