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When a Pump Fails...

  • Determine cause of failure.
  • Eliminate cause of failure.
  • Retract all cylinder rods.
  • Drain tank.
  • Flush tank using diesel fuel under pressure thoroughly and wipe with clean cloths.
  • Install new filter elements using element of 10 micron or better.  If machine does not have filtration, install 10 micron filter on return line.  The filter must be able to filter a minimum of 20% of the total pump flow.   It can be installed on one return leg of a multiple pump circuit and still be effective.
  • Install new pumps.
  • Fill tank with new oil using recommended grade.  Note that you are filling the system and not just the oil supply tank.  Pump failure due to lack of oil can result if filling is not done correctly.  The tank may contain only enough oil to take care of changes in volume when the cylinder rods are extended.   Keep close check on oil level as following steps are completed.
  • Disconnect all lines to cylinders and/or motors at the cylinder or motor. WARNING: Be sure all implements are securely blocked and all accumulators are bled before disconnecting lines!
  • Activate each circuit by moving the control valve handle so lines are flushed with new oil.  This flushes the lines and valves from pump to all cylinders and motors. WARNING: Check oil level and add new oil if required.
  • Connect lines to blind end of cylinders and all fluid motors.  Leave rod end disconnected and with engine at one-fourth throttle, activate circuits slowly until the cylinder bottoms out.  New oil will be put in the blind end of the cylinder and old dirty oil flushed out rod end.  Do this for all cylinders of machine.
  • Connect lines to rod end of cylinders.  WARNING:   Check oil level and add new oil as required
  • Operate all cylinders and motors alternately for 30 minutes at full throttle.
  • Change filter element.  Check oil level and add new oil if required.
The above procedure, if followed, will allow you to install a new pump and know you will get satisfactory pump life.  To short cut these steps will cause premature pump failure.  A pump will not run on a contaminated system.

In nearly all cases a replacement pump will fail in a shorter time than the pump preceding it unless the system is thoroughly cleaned.

To insure good service from your equipment, the hydraulic system must be properly maintained.

Recommended procedures include:

  • Check oil level frequently
  • Inspect for leaks daily
  • Change filter elements and the oil at the recommended intervals
  • Use the correct filter elements and the recommended grade of oil
  • Use good operating techniques.

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