Gear Pump Troubleshooting
Guide
07 November 2019
Gear Pump Troubleshooting Guide
If you are experiencing issues with
your Gear Pump, the below guide can help you diagnose any issues, or speak to one of our Technical
Sales Engineers for further assistance:
Problem Possible Cause
  Direction of Rotation
 
 
  Air pocket in suction line
 
Motor Operational but No
Fluid Delivery
Relief Valve Failure
Check Valve Jammed
Air Ingress through Seal
  Relief Valve Opening or
  Jammed
Remedy
Check direction of rotation is in
line with arrow on casing and  
nameplate
Ensure suction line filled with
fluid, pipework slopes upwards, no
kinks in suction line and pipework
is as straight as possible.
Clean Relief Valve. Check
pressure setting. Recalibrate
Clean check valve. Check
operation
Check seals for air ingress, all
pipework, and connected gaskets.  
Check pump O Rings. Replace
pump seal if necessary.
Check relief valve settings.
Recalibrate. Check and clean as a
   plug   may have formed or solid
  entered jamming open.
  Air Ingress Check seals for air ingress, all
  pipework, and connected gaskets.
  Check   pump O Rings. Replace
  pump seal if necessary.
Insufficient Capacity Low NPSH Shorten and enlarge suction line
diameter. Deepen suction pipe,  
increase tank contents, reduce
pump speed and check fluid
viscosity against   pump design
Pump Worn Check internal gear spacing.
Replace lobes
Check Valve Jammed Clean check valve. Check
operation
  Pump Cavitating Increase pipework diameter.
  Reduce suction head. Check fluid  
  viscosity. Clean filters. Reduce
  pump speed. Increase fluid level in
Pump Noisy tank.
Gear / Rotor Damage Check gears and replace if
necessary
Misalignment Realign Pump. Check coupling and
rubber
Vibration in safety valve Increase pressure setting or replace
Still having issues with your pump? Contact us or view our Gear Pump Range.