Troubleshooting Pumps

WARNING

Before you try to work on the rotary vane pump or the system, turn the motor off and disconnect the power to the motor.

PUMP WORKING BELOW CAPACITY
 

SYMPTOM. Inlet is clogged or restricted
SOLUTION. Clean out the inlet line. If you have an inlet filter or internal strainer, clean it (replace it if more than 20% clogged). Do not allow debris to fall into pump from filter.

SYMPTOM. Internal strainer is clogged or restricted pump is rotating in the wrong direction
SOLUTION. Change motor rotation by properly rewiring it.

SYMPTOM. Low motor rpm
SOLUTION. 
Check your motor to make sure it is working properly and that it is wired for the voltage and frequency (50 or 60 HZ) that you are using. (See motor specification plate.)

SYMPTOM. Inside of the pump is wearing out, caused by foreign or abrasive materials getting into the pump
SOLUTION. Have the pump rebuilt by PROCON. To prevent future failures, make sure you have an adequate filter on the inlet line.

SYMPTOM. Relief valve setting is incorrect
SOLUTION. Contact your PROCON representative about having the relief valve reset.

PUMP LEAKING

SYMPTOM. Mechanical shaft seal or rubber o-ring is failing
SOLUTION. Have the pump rebuilt by PROCON.

SYMPTOM. Relief valve cap or strainer cap is loose
SOLUTION. Tighten the cap on the relief valve or strainer.

SYMPTOM. Relief valve cap or strainer cap o-ring or gasket are damaged
SOLUTION. Replace the damaged o-ring or gasket. Contact PROCON for these parts.

SYMPTOM. Inlet or outlet port fittings are loose or sealant failed
SOLUTION. Apply joint compound or tape and reinstall the fittings. Do not allow sealant to fall into pump.

NOISY PUMP

SYMPTOM. Inlet is clogged or restricted
SOLUTION. Clean out the inlet line. If you have an inlet filter or internal strainer, clean it (replace it if more than 20% clogged). Do not allow debris to fall into pump from filter.

SYMPTOM. Internal strainer is clogged or restricted
SOLUTION. Tighten the acorn nut on the relief valve or the strainer cap.

SYMPTOM. Acorn nut on the relief valve or strainer cap is loose
SOLUTION. Replace the gasket or the o-ring on the acorn nut or the strainer cap. Do not tamper with the relief valve setting. Contact PROCON for parts.

SYMPTOM. Gasket or 0-ring on the acorn nut or strainer cap is defective
SOLUTION. Turn off the motor and disconnect the power to the motor. Then, properly align and tighten the loose component.

SYMPTOM. Coupling, mounting bolt, or V-band clamp is loose
SOLUTION. Turn off the motor and disconnect the power to the motor. Remove the pump from the motor.

SYMPTOM. The pump and the motor are misaligned
SOLUTION. Then remount the pump onto the motor, making sure you align it properly.

MOTOR STALLING OR OVERLOADED

SYMPTOM. The pump and the motor are misaligned
SOLUTION.
 Turn off the motor and disconnect the power to the motor. Remove the pump from the motor. Then remount the pump onto the motor, making sure you align it properly.

SYMPTOM. Lime and mineral deposits in the pump are causing internal binding
SOLUTION. Have the pump rebuilt by PROCON.

SYMPTOM. Motor may be defective
SOLUTION. Contact your motor supplier.

SYMPTOM. Motor may be wired for wrong voltage
SOLUTION. Check wiring against wiring diagram supplied with the motor.