Restoring a Worn Gear Oil Pump
Gear oil pumps, also known as gear pumps, are integral components in vehicle and machinery powertrains, providing lubrication to the meshing gears that move the conrod and crankshaft, as well as other moving parts. Over time, they can become prone to wear, resulting in reduced efficiency and decreased performance. In this article, we’ll take a look at how to identify wear in a gear oil pump, along with tips to restore it back to its original performance.
Symptoms of Pump Wear
The most common causes of excessive pump wear include external contamination and inadequate maintenance. External contamination can come from dirt, foreign objects, or even overfilling with fluid, all of which will increase the likelihood of pump wear.
If the pump has become worn or inefficient, there are a few tell-tale signs to look for. Leaks are one of the most common signs of pump wear. If the pump is leaking oil or coolant, it is likely the case that it needs to be replaced or repaired. Noises can also be a sign of pump wear; a high-pitched whirring or whining sound, which comes from the pump, may be an indication of excessive wear. Lastly, reduced performance or increased vibration from the pump can suggest that it is no longer functioning optimally.
Restoring the Pump
The first step in restoring the pump is to identify and address the issue causing the wear. If the pump has been contaminated with dirt or foreign objects, these must be cleaned out before any other steps are taken. Additionally, if the pump has been overfilled with fluid, it must be drained to its optimal level.
The next step is to reassemble the pump, ensuring that all components are properly fitted and tightened. Once reassembled, the pump should be tested. This can be done by running the pump with a specialised pump tester to ensure that it performs as it should. Once performance has been verified, the pump can be reinstalled in the vehicle or machinery and operated normally.
Maintaining the Pump
Maintaining the pump is important to ensure that it remains in good working order for as long as possible. Regular maintenance will help to identify any issues before they become too severe, and will also extend the life of the pump.
When maintaining the pump, important factors to consider include draining, cleaning and inspecting. Oftentimes, when the pump is draining or cleaning, it is best to use a specialised cleaner or solvent, as this helps to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated. Additionally, it is important to make sure that all components of the pump are adequately lubricated. The pump should also be inspected periodically to check for signs of wear or damage, such as abnormal noises or leaks.
Conclusion
Overall, a worn gear oil pump can be restored to its original performance, in some cases even better. The key is to correctly identify the issue causing the wear, and then take the appropriate steps to rectify it. Although it can take more time than replacing the pump, restoring the pump can ultimately be a more cost-effective solution in the long run. Regular maintenance is essential to preserving any vehicle or machinery’s health, and this is especially true for the gear oil pump. Taking the necessary steps to ensure that the pump is kept clean and lubricated will help to ensure that it continues to work as it should.
