Westco 4500 - Tong Torque Issues; Jaw Grip Failure; Shifting Issues; Poor Die Life

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B. TONG WILL NOT DEVELOP SUFFICIENT TORQUE
C. FAILURE OF JAWS TO GRIP TUBING
1.
Improper tong suspension
Refer to page 6 (Suspension of tongs in Derrick)
2.
Dull dies
Replace or clean wire brush.
3.
Brake band worn
Replace.
4.
Improper jaw size
Refer to page 2
D. FAILURE OF TONG TO SHIFT OR DIFFICULTY OF SHIFTING
1.
Shifting mechanism is worn
Replace
2.
Shift is attempted at too high an
R.P.M.
Shift at lower R.P.M. or after momentary stop. Shift
with rotor opening at rear of tong.
E. POOR DIE LIFE
1.
Improperly suspended tong; tong
hanger bottomed out
Refer to hanging procedure in “Operating Instructions”
on page 5.
2.
Tong worn excessively
Replace and/or repair tong, as required.
3.
Improperly reconditioned dies
Replace jaw.
1.
Tong valve or relief valve on tong
not working:
a. Valve stuck
Check for dirty or gummy sludge. Check for
contamination of oil. Check for broken spring valve.
b. Valve leaking
Check valve seat for scouring. Check oil seals. Check
for particles stuck under valve stem.
2.
Stuck, worn or damaged pump parts
Inspect and clean. Replace worn or broken parts.
Check relief valve.
3.
Pump speed too slow
Check motor speed.
4.
Oil viscosity too high
Some pumps will not prime if oil is too heavy. Check
viscosity at working temperature (also at initial
temperature, if this is considerably lower).
5.
Oil viscosity too low
(Restriction in line between power unit and tong)
6.
Oil by-passed to reservoir
Check relief valve for proper operation. Check
directional valves; open center neutral position should
return oil to the reservoir.
7.
Tong motor worm or damaged,
allowing excessive slippage
Repair and/or replace worn or damaged parts.
8.
Excessive drag in tong due to damaged
bearings or gears
Repair and/or replace worn or damaged parts.
9.
Restriction in line between power
unit and tong
This condition may be detected when pump pressure is
not reaching the tong or when excessive backpressure
is created in the return line. Check self-seal couplings
to make certain they are properly engaged.