Armstrong Fluid Technology Pump Troubleshooting

Armstrong Fluid Technology boasts an impressive lineup of pumps that fit any commercial setting. If one of your clients has called to detail specific issues they’re having with their pump, it’s time to figure out the cause and solution quickly. Below, we have a technician-specific guide on how to troubleshoot an Armstrong pump so you can get your client’s unit back up and running in no time.

This guide is applicable for Armstrong horizontal split case pumps.

Problem: Pump Won’t Start

Causes

1. Electrical outlet is faulty
2. Stuffing box is packed too tightly or packing is improperly installed
3. Impeller is locked up or obstructed
4. Excessive bearing friction

Solutions

1. Be sure to check:
   1. Circuit breaker and disconnect switch are both on
   2. Tripped circuit breaker
   3. Pressure switch is working properly
2. Loosen gland swing bolts, remove stuffing box gland halves, then replace packing
3. Remove any obstruction blocking impeller
4. Remove bearings and clean/lubricate. Replace if necessary.

Problem: Pump is Noisy or Vibrates

Causes

1. Stuffing box is packed too tightly or packing is improperly installed
2. Impeller is locked up or obstructed
3. Excessive bearing friction
4. Pump foundation isn’t sturdy

Solutions

1. Loosen gland swing bolts, remove stuffing box gland halves, then replace packing
2. Remove any obstruction blocking impeller
3. Remove bearings and clean/lubricate. Replace if necessary.
4. Tighten foundation bolts. If needed, replace foundation.

Problem: No Water is Discharged

Causes

1. Air pocket or leakage is present in suction line
2. Blocked suction connection
3. Impeller is locked up or obstructed
4. Pump hasn’t been primed

Solutions

1. Locate suction pipe and rearrange to alleviate air pocket/leak
2. Check suction intake, suction pipe and screen to find obstruction and remove
3. Remove any obstruction blocking impeller
4. Shut down the pump and prime

Problem: Discharge Pressure is Too Low

Causes

1. Air pocket or leakage is present in suction line
2. Blocked suction connection
3. Stuffing box is packed too tightly or packing is improperly installed
4. Water seal or pipe to seal is obstructed OR there’s an air leak in pump through stuffing boxes
5. Impeller is locked up or obstructed
6. Speed is too low
7. Rotation is in wrong direction
8. Rated motor voltage is different from line voltage

Solutions

1. Locate suction pipe and rearrange to alleviate air pocket/leak
2. Check suction intake, suction pipe and screen to find obstruction and remove
3. Loosen gland swing bolts, remove stuffing box gland halves, then replace packing
4. Follow these solution steps:
   1. Step 1—Loosen gland swing bolts. Then remove stuffing box gland halves, water-seal ring and packing.
   2. Step 2—Clean the water passage to and from the water-seal ring. 
   3. Step 3—Reinstall water-seal ring, packing glands and packing.
5. Remove any obstruction blocking impeller
6. Make sure the rated motor speed aligns with rated pump speed. Also check that the voltage is correct and that the starting equipment is operating.
7. Check the sources of the two electrical currents as the rotation direction is produced by each. If the direction needs to be changed, the two wires must be reversed. 
8. Replace the motor to one with correct voltage rating, or a larger motor

Problem: Pump Won’t Stop

Causes

1. Electrical circuit is faulty
2. Run period timer is defective
3. Pressure is too low

Solutions

1. Check:
   1. The pressure switch is properly piped up to water system
   2. If the stop valve in the piping to the pressure switch is open
   3. The pressure switch is working properly
      1. To do so, disconnect one of the pressure switch leads to simulate an open contact position
   4. The pressure switch connection lines have been flushed
   5. The pressure switch set point is correct for suction and working pressure
   6. The manual start handle is set to automatic
2. Remove jumper if needed
3. Check that the pressure setting aligns with system pressure setting