Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/1293694
ASSOCIATIONINSIGHT Portable Sanitation Association International News BIWEEKLY EDITION SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 Page 4 Continued on page 8 Maintaining Pumps and Troubleshooting Issues…continued from page 3 » After flushing, pour oil into all bearing lubrication ports to protect the bearing surfaces and oil injection points on the pump to eliminate rust formation on the rotor and cylinder. » Rotate by hand monthly to distribute oil. • When service or repair parts are needed, make sure the tank and vacuum pump serial numbers are readily available for reference. Pump Flushing Procedure • Flushing Fluid » Check your pump manufacturer's recommendations for the best flushing fluid to be used on your pump. » A common mixture is a 3:1 mixture of diesel fuel mixed with pump oil. » Many pump manufacturers offer a pump flushing kit; this makes the process easier. • Steps 1. Stop the pump. 2. Locate and remove the NPT plug. 3. Connect a brass fitting, rubber hose, ball valve and flushing fluid bottle to the port. 4. Run the pump, switch to vacuum and slowly open the ball valve. 5. Pass approximately two to three liters of the flushing fluid through the pump while restricting/controlling the flow through the ball valve. 6. Close the ball valve and run the pump for an additional minute to remove all the flushing fluid from the pump. 7. Drain the oil catch muffler or oil separator. 8. If you remove the pump flushing fittings from the pump, re-install the NPT plug back into the port. 9. Resume pumping operation. Trouble Shooting: Not Getting a Vacuum The following assumes the system that drives the pump motor (including the PTO, hydraulics, and small engine) is working. • Does the pressure gauge read a negative number between 10 and 18? » If so, your pump is in vacuum mode and suction is being created in the tank. » If not, verify that the pump is set to vacuum (pull) AND that all valves on the truck are closed allowing vacuum to build (don't forget that second hose on the passenger side). • Is the fuel tank full? • If you disconnect the hose at the tank is there suction? » If so, there is probably a clog in your hose and you will need to clear the hose. Try attaching the wand end to the top of the tank to see if you can pull out what might have become lodged on the way in. » If there is no suction at the top of the tank, is it possible either the primary or secondary valves are clogged or stuck?