JAECO metering pumps are designed for durability, with many operating reliably for over 75 years when well-maintained. Regular maintenance keeps your pump performing optimally, reduces the likelihood of unexpected downtime, and helps you avoid expensive repairs.

In this article, we’ll cover six straightforward maintenance tips to help extend the lifespan of your metering pump and maximize its efficiency.

6 Metering Pump Maintenance Tips

Routine metering pump maintenance plays a crucial role in safeguarding your investment in quality equipment. Proper care today can minimize wear, reduce downtime, and prevent costly repairs in the future.

Follow these tips to keep your metering pump running smoothly for years:

1. Inspect Seals and Diaphragms Regularly

The seals and diaphragms in your pump are critical to the consistent performance of your unit as well as its ability to measure fluids accurately as they pass through your pump. Older seals tend to perish and leak, while diaphragms inflate and deflate less consistently as they age.

Regular, careful inspection of seals and diaphragms should be a priority throughout your pump's life. Also, keep an eye out for telltale loss of performance, which could indicate a leaking seal or underperforming diaphragm.

2. Proper Lubrication of Moving Parts

Proper lubrication is crucial to avoid harmful metal-on-metal contact and prevent wear. This is especially important for JAECO PAK plunger pumps.

For these pumps, be sure to lubricate the zirconium fitting for the packing using a grease gun to protect the piston that contacts the seals. Additionally, the crosshead (which includes both the piston and its sleeve) should also be lubricated with a grease gun to prevent wear. You can find further details here.

All plunger pumps also require the oil in the gearbox to be changed based on usage for optimal performance.

3. Check for Leaks or Wear

Checking for signs of leaks or wear around your pumps supports safe operation and pump longevity and can help limit disruptive pump downtime. 

Signs of grease or liquids may suggest a failing seal or diaphragm. Also look for scoring marks or pitting on PAK pump plungers, which signal internal wear. It’s also important to carefully inspect the connection where fluids — particularly corrosive or dangerous chemicals — enter and exit your pumps, as well as around any inline check valves.

4. Timely Replacement of Worn Components

Keep accurate maintenance records and always perform routinely scheduled work. This ensures worn components are replaced promptly and prevents them from causing damage to other parts of your pump. By minimizing internal damage and wear, you can limit additional maintenance work and extend the lifespan of your pump. 

Different pump models require different parts to be replaced on specific schedules. You can check the specific requirements of your pump here.

5. Following Manufacturer Guidelines

It may seem obvious to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for your equipment, but it’s often overlooked. Maintenance staff may neglect to check the specific requirements for each unit they work on, which can lead to damage. Incorrect maintenance could also void your product warranty, leaving you with costly, unsupported equipment.

6. Keeping the Pump Clean

Metering pumps operate in tough, dirty, and sometimes corrosive environments. Cleaning your pumps is a task that tends to be skipped, but it plays a significant role in maintaining their long-term performance.

A clean pump makes it easier to inspect for damage or potential failures during routine checks. It also prevents dirt and other contaminants from entering the pump, which can lead to wear on moving parts.

Cleaning is simple, especially if done regularly, and usually involves wiping down the unit with a non-abrasive cleaner.

Parts & Troubleshooting 

JAECO stands behind our long-lasting products with all the parts and supplies you will need to successfully maintain them. We supply complete pump maintenance kits, and our specialized EP-150 extreme-pressure gear oil through our online store, or contact us directly.

We also offer a handy troubleshooting guide to help you successfully install our units or get them back online quickly in the event of a stoppage.  

JAECO: Your Complete Metering Pump Provider

At JAECO, we manufacture plunger pumps, diaphragm pumps, and check valves that stand the test of time. Our products are made in the USA from the highest quality American materials and are used worldwide in a variety of agricultural and process piping applications due to their extreme durability and longevity.

Contact us today for a free quote, or click below to learn more about our line of industry-leading metering pumps.

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