Goulds Pumps API 3171 - IOM - Manual (Page 56)

Symptom Cause Remedy
The pump is noisy or
vibrates.
The pump and driver are not aligned properly. Realign the pump and driver.
The impeller is partly clogged.
Back-flush the pump in order to clean the impeller.
The impeller or shaft is broken or bent. Replace the impeller or shaft as necessary.
The foundation is not rigid. Tighten the hold-down bolts of the pump and
motor. Make sure that the base plate is properly
grouted without voids or air pockets.
The bearings are worn. Replace the bearings.
Rotating parts are loose, broken, or rubbing
against each other.
Replace parts as necessary.
The suction or discharge piping is not anchored
or properly supported.
Anchor the suction or discharge piping as
necessary according to recommendations in the
Hydraulic Institute Standards Manual.
The pump is cavitating. Locate and correct the system problem.
The motor requires
excessive power.
The discharge head has dropped below the
rated point and is pumping too much liquid.
Install a throttle valve. If this does not help, then
trim the impeller diameter. If this does not help,
then contact your ITT representative.
The liquid is heavier than expected. Check the specific gravity and viscosity.
Rotating parts are rubbing against each other. Check the parts that are wearing for proper
clearances.
The motor speed is too high. Check the motor speed.
The impeller clearance is too tight. Adjust the impeller clearance.
Assembly troubleshooting
Table 7: Troubleshooting procedure
Symptom Cause Remedy
There is excessive shaft end play. The internal clearance of the bearings is
excessive.
Replace the bearings with a bearing of
the correct type.
The thrust-bearing end cover is loose. Tighten the screws.
There are too many shims under the thrust
bearing end cover.
Remove the individual shims to obtain
the proper thickness.
The runout for the shaft is excessive. The shaft is bent. Replace the shaft.
The runout for the bearing-frame flange is
excessive.
The shaft is bent. Replace the shaft.
The flange of the bearing frame is distorted. Replace the bearing-frame flange.
The runout for the seal-chamber cover is
excessive.
The seal-chamber cover is improperly seated
on the frame.
Replace or re-machine the seal-
chamber cover.
There is corrosion or wear on the seal-
chamber cover.
Replace the seal-chamber cover.
The runout for the impeller wear ring is
excessive.
The shaft is bent. Replace the shaft.
The wear ring was machined improperly. Replace or re-machine the impeller.
Troubleshooting
54 Model API 3171 Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Manual