How to Prime Oil Pump?
When it comes to the maintenance of construction machinery, a properly pre-charged oil pump is an important step in ensuring the smooth operation of your equipment. Pre-filling the oil pump helps to ensure that the equipment's lubrication system can provide sufficient lubrication immediately upon startup to prevent dry friction between parts. Below we will explain in detail how to pre-fill the oil pump of construction machinery.
What is oil pump precharge?
Pre-charging the diesel oil pump is a maintenance task by which you provide the lubrication system with sufficient lubricant when the machine is started. This is very important because at start-up, it usually takes some time for the equipment to build up enough oil pressure to ensure that the lubricant reaches all the necessary areas. By pre-charging the pump, you can eliminate this delay when the equipment starts up, thereby reducing friction between parts and improving equipment reliability.
Step 1: Preparation
Before precharging the pump, make sure that the equipment has been shut down and the power supply has been disconnected to avoid interfering with the normal operation of other accessories such as the starter motor and alternator. This is a critical step to ensure safe operation. Also, prepare the following tools and materials:
The correct type and size of lubricant for your model of construction machinery.
Lubricant filter.
Lubricant filler pump.
Containers and funnels.
Step 2: Find the oil pump inlet
First, you need to find the oil pump inlet. The oil pump inlet is usually located at the beginning of the lubrication system, usually next to the lube oil tank or filter. Use your construction machine's operator's manual or lubrication system diagram to determine the exact location.
Step 3: Prepare the lubricant
Make sure you use the correct type and size of lubricant for your equipment. In addition, check that the lubricant is clean and free of contaminants. If necessary, pass the lubricant through a filter to ensure it is pure.
Step 4: Connect the oil pump inlet
Using a funnel and tubing, connect the prepared lubricant to the inlet of the oil pump. This can be done by inserting the tube at one end into the inlet and securing the funnel at the other end. Make sure the connection is tight to prevent lubricant leakage.
Step 5: Start Pre-Charge
Start the oil pump so that it begins to draw in lubricant. During this process, monitor the lubrication system's oil pressure gauge to ensure that the oil pressure begins to rise. Once the oil pressure stabilizes, the precharge has been successful. At this point, the lubrication system is full of lubricant and ready to provide adequate lubrication to the equipment.
Step 6: Disconnect
Once precharge is complete, disconnect the lubricant to ensure that no more lubricant is coming out. Store tools and materials in an appropriate location and clean up any lubricant leaks to avoid affecting other diesel engine parts.
Step 7: Test the equipment
Finally, start the construction machinery and let it run for a few minutes to ensure that the lubrication system is functioning properly. Double-check for any signs of insufficient lubrication, such as unusual noises or irregular operation. If everything is normal, the precharge has been successful and the equipment is ready for normal operation.
Precharging the oil pump is a critical step in ensuring that the lubrication system operates properly. By precharging the oil pump, you can provide sufficient lubricant when the equipment starts up, reducing friction and wear and improving equipment reliability and life. Performing regular oil pump precharging helps ensure that your construction machinery remains efficient and reliable during work tasks. Maintaining an oil pump precharge is a critical step in improving equipment performance and reducing maintenance costs.