Viking Pump TSM343.3: Vi-Corr Pumps - Manual (Page 15)

SECTION TSM 343.3 ISSUE F PAGE 15 OF 20
TROUBLESHOOTINg
A Viking pump that is properly installed and maintained will give long satisfactory
performance.
If trouble does develop, one of the first steps toward finding the difficulty is to install a vacuum
gauge in the suction line and a pressure gauge in the discharge line. Readings on these
gauges often give a clue on where to start looking for trouble.
DANgER !
Before opening any viking pump liquid chamber (pumping chamber,
reservoir, relief valve adjusting cap fitting etc.) be sure:
1. That any pressure in chamber has been completely vented through
the suction or discharge lines or other appropriate openings or
connections.
2. That the driving means (motor, turbine, engine, etc.) has been “locked
out” or made non-operational so that it cannot be started while work is
being done on the pump.
3. That you know what liquid the pump has been handling and the
precautions necessary to safely handle the liquid. Obtain a material
safety data sheet (MSDS) for the liquid to be sure these precautions are
understood.
Failure to follow the above listed precautionary measures may result in
serious injury or death.
vacuum gauge - Suction Port
High vacuum reading would indicate:
1. The suction line is blocked, valve closed, a strainer is plugged or a pinched suction
line.
2. The suction line is too small.
3. The liquid is too viscous to flow through the piping.
4. The lift required is too high.
Low reading would indicate:
1. There may be an air leak in the suction line.
2. The end of the pipe is not in the liquid.
3. The pump is worn.
4. The pump is dry and should be primed.