Goulds Pumps API 3171 - IOM - Manual (Page 32)

5. Make sure that everyone is clear, and then jog the driver long enough to determine that the direction
of rotation corresponds to the arrow on the bearing housing, or close-coupled frame.
6. Lock out power to the driver.
Thrust bearing lubrication
WARNING:
Make sure to properly lubricate the bearings. Failure to do so can result in excess heat generation, sparks,
and premature failure.
Grease lubrication
Grease-lubricated bearings have zerk fittings installed for each bearing. Bearings are pre-lubricated at the
factory. Unscrew the fittings and confirm there is grease in the line. Replace the fitting and add grease if
necessary.
Pure oil-mist lubrication
The inlet (IN), outlet (OUT), and drain (DRN) ports are stamped on the thrust housing. The DRN port is
located on the bottom of the thrust housing and is below the floorplate on pumps without a stuffing box.
Connect the oil mist system supply to the IN port of the thrust housing. The outlet for the thrust housing
can be connected to the OUT port or DRN port. The recommended oil for the oil mist is an ISO VG
100. See the table for recommended oil mist airflows. Follow the instructions from the oil mist system
supplier. The oil mist system must be interconnected with the pump so that the pump will shut down if
the mist system fails.
This data is based on an oil/air ratio of 0.4 cubic inch (0.22 ounce) per hour per cfm.
Table 3: Recommended oil mist airflows
Frame size Airflow in cfm (l/m)
S/ST 0.10 (2.83)
M/MT 0.16 (4.53)
L 0.22 (6.23)
Flush the steady bearings
There are five 1/4-in. NPT pipe plugs on the standard support plate that you use to connect the flush
lines. Each plug connects with each of the five bearings. Pumps with less than five bearings still have five
plugs, but only the required number are connected to bearings.
1. Remove the plugs from the holes that are connected to flush lines.
2. Connect an external source of clean water to the taps.
The water source must be able to deliver 1 to 2 GPM to each bearing.
3. Turn on the water in order to begin the flush.
Sealed bearings
Sealed bearings have a lip seal above and below the bearing in order to keep grit out of the bearing. Sealed
bearings use a spring-loaded grease cup for lubrication. The bearings are pre-lubricated at the factory, but
the grease cups ship in a separate box in order to prevent shipping damage. Fill the grease cups with grease
and screw the cups into the taps that are connected to the bearings. Refill the cups with fresh grease as
needed. Frequently inspect the grease cups after startup in order to check usage and establish the best
relubrication interval.
Commissioning, Startup, Operation, and Shutdown
30 Model API 3171 Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Manual