In this modern-day and age, our heavy reliance on technological machinery dominates a huge part of our lives. This goes without saying when it comes to the industrial and agricultural setting. More and more business owners look for things that help the operations of their work and livelihood run as smoothly as possible.
In the farming industry, for example, irrigation is a crucial yet not so easy task. Serving as a fundamental source of agriculture, it moves water from its source to the fields and crops. That means the diesel water pump is particularly important.
There’s only so much that electric-powered machinery, such as electric-generated water pumps can do since it does have its limits to go far and wide; both literally and quite figuratively.
Here is where diesel-powered water pumps come in. In this article we are going to look further into its benefits and especially on how to maintain it in top shape; in 13 ways to be precise.
What are Water Pumps?
To get a better understanding on this, let us discuss what water pumps are for and how it works.
Water pumps are basically used in transferring large volumes of water from one place to another. In another variety, there’s also a water pump that serves as coolants for engines to prevent it from overheating which is typically found in vehicles. To get technical, the moment an engine starts; it automatically circulates the coolant from the radiator to carry the heat away in the hottest parts of the engine.
Focusing on the business spectrum, water pumps are commonly used in large properties for mining, construction or farming to again transfer large amounts of liquid from one place, to another. Most industrial owners tend to opt using portable pumps such as diesel engine water pumps due to its flexibility. They tend to work extensively in relatively low pressure which is quite ideal for the aforementioned locations and businesses.
In the agricultural setting for instance, it can be used as a drip, sprinkler or with a hose.
Electric generated water pumps though don’t have the same fluidity compared to diesel powered ones; though it does have its benefits to be a bit cost effective. If and only if there are already certain infrastructures such as poles and wires in place to gather electricity from, in place, if that isn’t the case, then get ready to invest a hefty sum of your money in connection costs. Large acres of land or remote places such as mining sites and even some construction sites don’t have the same luxury at all times.
That’s why multiple businesses look for maximum efficiency when it comes to the aspect of their operations.
Here is tips on how to maintain diesel water pumps
Without a doubt, water pumps are usually expected to last the life of an engine under normal conditions. Some even surpass the mileage of an engine. However, even so, it is honestly difficult to pinpoint exactly what is considered to be of “normal use” since water pumps are used for a multitude of things depending on the type of business it is in hence, they may come as quite unpredictable and with unpredictability costs money.
Imagine how problematic it would be if you suddenly have to halt your operations because your engine stops working? Imagine the wasted time, cost of immediate repair and loss of money from production? That’s why proper usage and maintenance is very crucial; to not only avoid the aforementioned scenario but to secure the longevity of the machine. If you use your engine properly, it would serve as a preventive measure for any damages or problems in the future.
Here are ways to do so:
1.Proper Break-in
First off, it is important to give you engine a proper break-in. It’s not as simple as having it started and running right off the bat without the least bit of care. It needs quite a bit of attention when new.
For instance, try not to have it accelerated immediately after turning it on. Before doing so, it is recommended to keep it idling with no load and at medium speed until it meets the 5 minute mark. Also, while it is running, it is preferred to add the load slowly and after around 50 hours, remember to replace the lubricating oil.
This way, it can improve its performance and you can properly look-in to any would be errors of its function.
2.Daily Inspection
A very critical thing to do for any business owner that has a diesel powered water pump is to have it inspected regularly for any posing problems that might affect the engine’s function. Preferably before and after operation to prevent any unforeseen water pump failures or engine damage that would affect your daily operations. Assess and look for any problems before it finds you.
3.Regularly Monitor your Coolant
A coolant is especially vital to the function of your engine as it prevents it from overheating. It is very important as it is quite acidic. If it is not closely monitored it can actually cause damage to your radiator and to the whole water pump entirely. Also, it forms a seal inside the water pump to prevent any leakages.
4.Regular Fuel Filter Change
The Filter is there to keep the fuel cleared off contaminants hence it is important to keep it well cleaned. A ruined filter can cause a lot of problems and damage to your engine so do ensure that it is replaced on a regular maintenance schedule.
5.Remember to Prime your Water Pump
Another essential factor; priming your water pumps is very essential in maintaining your engine. As the gears are running fast and hot, this causes air bubbles to form from the water in the pumps which prevents the water to flood out smoothly in the valves. Priming removes the air from the pump and ensures the smooth transition of liquid and permits the right atmospheric pressure in the engine.
6.Keep your Engine Well-Lubricated
It is really important to keep your bearing in the water pump well lubricated as it would prevent any friction damage. Doing this would also ensure it to operate smoothly, preferably with calcium sodium based grease. When it comes to the oil sump, it is also important to replace the oil after stopping the engine to prevent waste lubricating oil from polluting the environment.
7.Handle the Engine with care
As with any other equipment, proper handling can go a long way into maintaining your engine in top shape. Avoid being too heavy handed and be mindful of the conditions it is in.
8.Keep an eye on the belt drive
The belt drive is what keeps the engine, aside from the fuel of course, running. It must be properly tensioned considering the amount of work it puts in while operating. If it’s worn or poorly installed, it will definitely cause major problems since the water wouldn’t be pumped. So keep in mind to have the belt drive and water pump replaced at the same time during your routine maintenance to prevent any problems.
9.Defuse air in the fuel pipe
Listen, air in your engine causes a lot of problems, not only in the water pumps but in the fuel pipes as well. It leads to stalling, hiccupping and would prevent the engine to start which would end up in a gas lock. So keep in mind to regularly di-aerate your fuel pipe in order for your engine to run smoothly.
10. Proper Storage
A lot can go wrong with improper storage, especially if you are a large company with a lot of backup water pumps, it is absolutely important to practice good storage to prevent damages such as rusting, corrosion and even having left over water residue inside the pumps to freeze over in cold climates. Whichever the case may be, it is especially important to be mindful of where you store these engines and how you store them.
11. Regular cleaning goes a long way
This goes naturally when it comes to handling any type of equipment really. And with the water pump, there are a lot of places that needs to be looked on and cleaned in a regular basis such as discharging the coolant, cleaning the Air Cleaner with a brush and blower; if its filter paper is damaged, do not hesitate to have it replaced and of course have the dust discharged from the chamber. Also, do not forget to scrub the water deposit off by draining the water coolant from its tank then add the cleaning liquid and have the diesel engine run at medium speed in around 10-15 minutes, leaving the cleaning agent in the tank for 12-15 hours. Then you can run the engine again to drain its contents and voila, your engine is spick and span.
12. Don’t wait till the engine breaks before you replace
You know, some might think it is cost-saving to keep using your engine even if it has some damage, or even keep trying to repair it in order to save up the costs of buying new parts and repairing them properly; it’s really getting yourself into a huge risk right there. Do not hesitate to replace parts that are damaged or even approaching that broken territory. It is not worth the risk and will only cost you more problems and money than necessary. That’s why routine checks are necessary. And with these inspections comes a great deal of weighing in on repairs and necessary replacements.
13. Selecting the Best Pumps to Do the Job
Last but definitely not the least, the best thing any business owner can do to ensure maintenance is to properly select the right pump to do the job. Factors such as the type of business you are going for, the location, its use, and of course, the cost it might carry. Diesel fuel may come in hefty financially when it comes to its fluctuating prices but it is essentially versatile and flexible to use in water pumps. It depends on you entirely as there is a wide variation out there.
