Instruction 2111.80B 04/05 9
SECTION III. START-UP AND OPERATION A. PRIMING
A. PRIMING
A CHICAGO PUMP Dry Pit Centrifugal Pump should never be started in an unprimed condition. It is
absolutely essential that both the casing and suction pipe be completely filled with the liquid to be pumped
and void of air or vapor. If the installation does not allow for submerged suction (See Location, page 5) as
recommended by CHICAGO PUMP, another suitable priming device is necessary. Units installed with
submerged suction should have a vent cock located on the top of the casing. Entrapped air is released
through the opened vent cock when liquid enters the pump. The pump must not be started until all air has
been exhausted from the casing and suction line. In the event that the pump cannot be primed in this
manner, consult the factory.
B. PRE-STARTUP LUBRICATION INSTRUCTIONS
1. Radial and Thrust Bearings
CHICAGO PUMP Dry-Pit centrifugal pumps are equipped with ball bearings, angular contact ball bearings,
cylindrical roller or spherical contact roller bearings which have been properly lubricated prior to shipment.
No additional lubrication is needed prior to startup. These bearings require but a few ounces of grease per
year. For maximum efficiency, bearings should be approximately half full of grease. UNDER NO
CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD A BEARING BE GREASED UNTIL GREASE OOZES OUT OF THE BEARING.
Excess grease acts as a dirt catcher and does not in any way lubricate the bearing. An over-greased bearing
tends to overheat and in some cases, may overheat to the point where the temper is drawn from the balls
or rollers, rendering them soft and causing premature bearing failure. Under normal operating conditions, a
bearing requires only 1/2 oz. to 1 oz. of grease every 1500 hours of operation. (Refer to PREVENTATIVE
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE, page 20.) For applications where high temperatures or other unusual
conditions exist, consult the factory for special lubrication recommendations.
Some horizontal pumps are equipped with an oil bath lubrication system for the thrust and radial
bearings. This system provides a constant supply of fresh oil to the bearings. A drain plug is provided at the low
point of the oil chamber to facilitate oil renewal. Maintenance of this system only requires visually checking
the oil level at the oil cup or oil plug, and adding oil, if necessary, to a level just below the overflow point. When
adding oil remove the oil vent plug in the top of the bearing housing. DO NOT ADD OIL WHILE THE PUMP IS
RUNNING. The bearings will retain a considerable amount of oil when rotating. With the pump at rest, the oil
collects in the bottom of the chamber, and excess oil will overflow around the shaft and/or out of the oil cup.
The oil should be changed every 3,000 hours of operation. (Refer to PREVENTATIVE
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE, page 20.) Use only a high quality grade of mineral oil with rust and oxidation
inhibitors at least equal to Mobil DTE Light. Observe oil level prior to start-up and add if necessary.
2. Flexible Couplings
Factory standard elastomeric jaw type couplings require no lubrication. If non-standard couplings are furnished,
refer to the specific manufacturer's lubrication instructions or consult your CHICAGO PUMP representative.
3. Flexible Shafting
Cross and bearing assemblies and sliding splines contain only enough grease to provide protection
during storage. Complete lubrication is necessary prior to start-up to avoid premature failure.
a. Cross and bearing assemblies and steady bearings are to be lubricated with a good quality of grease.
(See PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE, page 20.) Lubricant MUST appear at all four
bearing seals to assure removal of dirt and contaminents. It may be necessary to move drive shaft
from side to side while applying grease gun pressure to allow greater clearance on the thrust end of
bearing that is not purging.
b. Sliding splines in slip joint must only be lubricated with Texaco Marfac "0" EP or equal grade of long fiber
grease. DO NOT use standard grease.
4. Stuffing Box
The shaft stuffing box is packed prior to shipment. The packing is placed in the stuffing box in single
rings with the ends butted together. Each ring is cut to the proper length so that the ends come together
but do not overlap. Succeeding rings of packing are placed in the stuffing box so that the joints of the rings
of packing are staggered. The stuffing box is provided with a lantern or seal ring.
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