GORMAN-RUPP PUMPS SF8B Application guide

OM-06549-02
April 26, 2016
GORMAN‐RUPP PUMPS
www.grpumps.com
e2016 Gorman‐Rupp Pumps Printed in U.S.A.
INSTALLATION, OPERATION,
AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
WITH PARTS LIST
SUBMERSIBLE PUMP
MODEL
SF8B

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Gorman‐Rupp pump online at
www.grpumps.com
Valid serial number and e‐mail address required.
RECORD YOUR PUMP MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBER
Please record your pump model and serial number in the
spaces provided below. Your Gorman‐Rupp distributor
needs this information when you require parts or service.
Pump Model:
Serial Number:

TABLE OF CONTENTS
i
INTRODUCTION PAGE I - 1.................................................
SAFETY ‐ SECTION A PAGE A - 1............................................
INSTALLATION - SECTION B PAGE B - 1....................................
PREINSTALLATION INSPECTION PAGE B - 1............................................
PUMP SEALS PAGE B - 1.............................................................
LUBRICATION PAGE B - 1.............................................................
PUMP INSTALLATION PAGE B - 1......................................................
Pump Dimensions PAGE B - 1.....................................................
Pump Motor Specifications PAGE B - 1..............................................
Lifting PAGE B - 2.................................................................
Positioning the Pump PAGE B - 2...................................................
Piping PAGE B - 3................................................................
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS PAGE B - 3...............................................
Field Wiring Connections (Incoming Power) PAGE B - 3...............................
Dual Voltage PAGE B - 3...........................................................
Motor Cable Grounding Test PAGE B - 3.............................................
Control Box Connections PAGE B - 3...............................................
Liquid Level Devices PAGE B - 4....................................................
OPERATION - SECTION C PAGE C - 1......................................
GENERAL INFORMATION PAGE C - 1..................................................
Pump Performance PAGE C - 1.....................................................
Control Box PAGE C - 3...........................................................
PUMP OPERATION PAGE C - 3........................................................
Liquid Temperature And Overheating PAGE C - 3.....................................
Impeller Rotation PAGE C - 4.......................................................
STARTING, STOPPING AND OPERATIONAL CHECKS PAGE C - 4.........................
Starting PAGE C - 4...............................................................
Stopping PAGE C - 5..............................................................
Operational Checks PAGE C - 5....................................................
COLD WEATHER PRESERVATION PAGE C - 6...........................................
LUBRICATION PAGE C - 6.............................................................
Draining Oil PAGE C - 6...........................................................
Condition of Oil Oil PAGE C - 6.....................................................
Adding Oil PAGE C - 6............................................................
TROUBLESHOOTING - SECTION D PAGE D - 1..............................
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PAGE D - 3...............................................
PUMP MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR ‐ SECTION E PAGE E - 1.................
GENERAL INFORMATION PAGE E - 1..................................................
Lifting PAGE E - 1.................................................................

TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
ii
PARTS LISTS:
Pump Model Assembly PAGE E - 3.................................................
Motor Assemblies PAGE E - 5......................................................
PUMP AND SEAL DISASSEMBLY AND REASSEMBLY PAGE E - 6.........................
PUMP END DISASSEMBLY PAGE E - 7.................................................
Preparing Pump for Disassembly PAGE E - 7........................................
Suction Head and Wear Ring Removal PAGE E - 7....................................
Pump Casing Removal PAGE E - 7.................................................
Draining Oil From Seal Cavity PAGE E - 7............................................
Impeller Removal PAGE E - 7......................................................
Lower Seal Removal PAGE E - 8....................................................
Upper Seal Removal PAGE E - 8...................................................
PUMP END REASSEMBLY PAGE E - 9..................................................
Cleaning and Inspection of Pump Parts PAGE E - 9...................................
Upper Seal Installation PAGE E - 10..................................................
Lower Seal Installation PAGE E - 11..................................................
Impeller Installation PAGE E - 12.....................................................
Suction Head and Wear Ring Installation PAGE E - 12..................................
Pump Casing Installation PAGE E - 12................................................
Impeller Face Clearance Adjustment PAGE E - 12.....................................
Final Assembly PAGE E - 13........................................................
MOTOR DISASSEMBLY PAGE E - 13....................................................
Hoisting Bail Removal PAGE E - 13..................................................
Terminal Housing Assembly Removal PAGE E - 13.....................................
Rotor Shaft and Bearing Removal PAGE E - 14........................................
Stator Removal PAGE E - 14........................................................
MOTOR REASSEMBLY PAGE E - 15.....................................................
Stator Installation PAGE E - 15......................................................
Bearing and Rotor Shaft Installation PAGE E - 16......................................
Terminal Housing Assembly Installation PAGE E - 17...................................
Hoisting Bail Installation PAGE E - 18.................................................
VACUUM TESTING PAGE E - 18........................................................
Seal Cavity Testing PAGE E - 18.....................................................
Seal and Motor Cavity Testing PAGE E - 19...........................................
LUBRICATION PAGE E - 20.............................................................
Seal Cavity PAGE E - 20............................................................
Motor Bearings PAGE E - 20........................................................

SF SERIES OM-06549
PAGE I - 1INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Thank You for purchasing a Gorman‐Rupp pump.
Read this manual carefully to learn how to safely
install and operate your pump. Failure to do so
could result in personal injury or damage to the
pump.
Because pump installations are seldom identical,
this manual cannot possibly provide detailed in
structions and precautions for every aspect of
each specific application. Therefore, it is the re
sponsibility of the owner/installer of the pump to
ensure that applications not addressed in this
manual are performed only after establishing that
neither operator safety nor pump integrity are com
promised by the installation. Pumps and related
equipment must be installed and operated ac
cording to all national, local and industry stan
dards.
If there are any questions regarding the pump or
its application which are not covered in this man
ual or in other literature accompanying this unit,
please contact your Gorman‐Rupp distributor, or
The Gorman‐Rupp Company:
The Gorman‐Rupp Company
P.O. Box 1217
Mansfield, Ohio 44901-1217
Phone: [phone]
or:
Gorman‐Rupp of Canada Limited
70 Burwell Road
St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 3R7
Phone: [phone]
For information or technical assistance on the
power source, contact the power source manufac
turer's local dealer or representative.
HAZARD AND INSTRUCTION
DEFINITIONS
The following are used to alert maintenance per
sonnel to procedures which require special atten
tion, to those which could damage equipment, and
to those which could be dangerous to personnel:
Immediate hazards which WILL result in
severe personal injury or death. These
instructions describe the procedure re
quired and the injury which will result
from failure to follow the procedure.
Hazards or unsafe practices which
COULD result in severe personal injury
or death. These instructions describe
the procedure required and the injury
which could result from failure to follow
the procedure.
Hazards or unsafe practices which COULD
result in minor personal injury or product
or property damage. These instructions
describe the requirements and the possi
ble damage which could result from failure
to follow the procedure.
NOTE
Instructions to aid in installation, operation, and
maintenance or which clarify a procedure.

OM-06549SF SERIES
PAGE A - 1SAFETY
SAFETY - SECTION A
This information applies to the SF Se
ries submersible pump indicated on the
front cover of this manual.
In addition to this manual, see the sepa
rate literature covering the control box,
control accessories or other equipment
shipped with this pump.
Because pump installations are seldom
identical, this manual cannot possibly
provide detailed instructions and pre
cautions for each specific application.
Therefore, it is the owner/installer's re
sponsibility to ensure that applications
not addressed in this manual are per
formed only after establishing that nei
ther operator safety nor pump integrity
are compromised by the installation.
Before attempting to install, operate, or
service this pump, familiarize yourself
with this manual, and with all other liter
ature shipped with the pump. Unfamil
iarity with all aspects of pump operation
covered in this manual could lead to de
struction of equipment, injury, or death.
This pump is designed to handle raw
sewage and industrial wastes at tem
peratures of 104_F (40_C); Do not apply
at higher temperatures. Do not attempt
to pump volatile, flammable, or corro
sive liquids which may damage the
pump or endanger personnel as a result
of pump failure.
The electrical power used to operate
this pump is high enough to cause inju
ry or death. Obtain the services of a qu
alified electrician to make all electrical
connections.
The following precautions should be
taken before attempting to open or ser
vice the pump; otherwise, injury or
death could result.
1. Familiarize yourself with this man
ual.
2. Lock out incoming power to the
control box to ensure that the
pump will remain inoperative.
3. Allow the pump to completely cool
if overheated.
4. Close the discharge valve (if
used).
Do not connect the pump motor directly
to the incoming power lines. The pump
motor is designed to operate through a
Gorman‐Rupp approved control box
which provides overload protection and
power control; otherwise, the pump
warranty will be voided. Make certain
that the pump and control box are prop
erly grounded and that the incoming
power matches the requirements of the
pump and controls. Install and operate
the control box in accordance with the
National Electric Code and all local
codes. Failure to follow the instructions

SF SERIESOM-06549
PAGE A-2 SAFETY
in this warning could result in injury or
death to personnel.
Death or serious personal injury and
damage to the pump or components
can occur if proper lifting procedures
are not observed. Make certain that
hoists, chains, slings or cables are in
good working condition and of suffi
cient capacity and that they are posi
tioned so that loads will be balanced
and the pump or components will not be
damaged when lifting. Do not attempt to
lift this pump by the motor or control
cables, or the piping. Attach proper lift
ing equipment to the lifting bail fitted on
the pump. Lift the pump or component
only as high as necessary and keep per
sonnel away from suspended objects.
The electrical power used to operate
this pump is high enough to cause inju
ry or death. Obtain the services of a
qualified electrician to make all electri
cal connections. Make certain that the
pump and enclosure are properly
grounded; never use gas pipe as an
electrical ground. Be sure that the in
coming power matches the voltage and
phase of the pump and control before
connecting the power source. Do not
run the pump if the voltage is not within
the limits. If the overload unit is tripped
during pump operation, correct the
problem before restarting the pump.
The electrical power used to operate
this pump is high enough to cause inju
ry or death. Make certain that the control
handle on the control box is in the OFF
position and locked out, or that the pow
er supply to the control box has been
otherwise cut off and locked out, before
attempting to open or service the pump
assembly. Tag electrical circuits to pre
vent accidental start‐up.
Never attempt to alter the length or re
pair any power cable with a splice. The
pump motor and cable must be com
pletely waterproof. Injury or death may
result from alterations.
All electrical connections must be in ac
cordance with The National Electric
Code and all local codes. If there is a
conflict between the instructions pro
vided and N.E.C. Specifications, N.E.C.
Specifications shall take precedence.
All electrical equipment supplied with
this pump was in conformance with
N.E.C. requirements in effect on the
date of manufacture. Failure to follow
applicable specifications, or substitu
tion of electrical parts not supplied or
approved by the manufacturer, can re
sult in severe injury or death and void
warranty.

OM-06549SF SERIES
PAGE A - 3SAFETY
After the pump has been installed, make
certain that the pump and all piping or
hose connections are secure before op
eration.
Approach the pump cautiously after it
has been running. Although the motor is
cooled by dispersing heat through the
motor housing cooling fins into the liq
uid being pumped, normal operating
temperatures can still be high enough
to cause burns. The temperature will be
especially high if operated against a
closed discharge valve. Never operate
against a closed discharge valve for
long periods of time.
Do not remove plates, covers, gauges,
pipe plugs, or fittings from an over
heated pump. Vapor pressure within the
pump can cause parts being disen
gaged to be ejected with great force. Al
low the pump to completely cool before
servicing.
If this pump is used to handle sewage,
take necessary precautions during
maintenance and repair to prevent per
sonal contamination which could result
in illness.
Pumps and related equipment must be
installed and operated according to all na
tional, local and industry standards.

SF SERIES OM-06549
PAGE B - 1
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - SECTION B
Review all SAFETY information in Section A.
Since pump installations are seldom identical, this
section is intended only to summarize general rec
ommendations and practices required to inspect,
position, and arrange the pump and piping. If there
are any questions concerning your specific instal
lation, contact your Gorman‐Rupp distributor or
the Gorman‐Rupp Company.
The motor in these pumps is not designed
to be operated in air for more than 10 min
utes without overheating. The pumps must
be operated through liquid level controls to
maintain the level of liquid in the wet well so
that power to the motor is cut off when liq
uid falls below the midpoint of the motor
housing.
Automatic liquid level controls are available from
Gorman‐Rupp as options. For information on in
stalling and operating these controls, see the tech
nical data accompanying them.
PREINSTALLATION INSPECTION
The pump assembly was inspected and tested be
fore shipment from the factory. Before installation,
check for damage which may have occurred dur
ing shipment. Check as follows:
a. Inspect the pump assembly for cracks, dents,
damaged threads, and other obvious dam
age.
b. Check for and tighten loose attaching hard
ware.
c. Inspect the power cable for cuts or any other
obvious damage.
d. Check that amperes, phase, voltage, and
hertz indicated on the motor name plate
match the ratings on the control box and in
coming power.
e. Carefully read all tags, decals, and markings
on the pump assembly, and perform all duties
indicated.
f. Check for any oil leaks. If there is any indica
tion of an oil leak, see LUBRICATION in
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR - SECTION
E.
PUMP SEALS
This pump is equipped with two mechanical seals.
The lower seal is lubricated by the liquid being
pumped and prevents the liquid from entering the
seal housing cavity from the pump end. The upper
seal prevents oil from escaping from the seal hous
ing into the motor housing and acts as backup pro
tection in the event of lower seal failure.
LUBRICATION
The seal cavity is fully lubricated when shipped
from the factory. However, the lubrication level
must be checked before installing the pump (see
LUBRICATION in MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
- SECTION E). If the oil level is abnormally low, de
termine the cause before putting the pump into
service.
The shaft bearings are permanently lubricated.
There is no other lubrication in the pump.
PUMP INSTALLATION
Pump Dimensions
For the approximate physical dimensions of your
pump, refer to the pump specification data sheet
or contact your Gorman‐Rupp distributor or the
Gorman‐Rupp Company.
Pump Motor Specifications
The motor furnished with this pump is a 60 Hz.,
Squirrel Cage, Induction Start, Class H Insulation
Rated 365_F (180_C).

OM-06549 SF SERIES
PAGE B - 2 INSTALLATION
See Table B-1 for motor specifications.
TABLE B-1. PUMP MOTOR SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL VOLTAGE/
PHASE
SIZE MOTOR
RPM
MAX
LOAD
AMPS
H.P. LOCKED
ROTOR
AMPS
SF8B 460/575 8” 75.0 1750 86.0/69.0 542.0/434.0
Lifting
Death or serious personal injury and
damage to the pump or components
can occur if proper lifting procedures
are not observed. Make certain that
hoists, chains, slings or cables are in
good working condition and of suffi
cient capacity and that they are posi
tioned so that loads will be balanced
and the pump or components will not be
damaged when lifting. Do not attempt to
lift this pump by the motor or control
cables, or the piping. Attach proper lift
ing equipment to the lifting bail fitted on
the pump. Lift the pump or component
only as high as necessary and keep per
sonnel away from suspended objects.
Pump unit weights will vary depending on the
mounting and drive provided. Check the shipping
tag on the unit packaging for the actual weight, and
use lifting equipment with appropriate capacity.
Drain the pump and remove all customer‐installed
equipment such as suction and discharge hoses
or piping before attempting to lift existing, installed
units.
Positioning the Pump
NOTE
Before installing and operating the pump, check
the direction of impeller rotation to ensure that the
pump is properly wired at the control box. See IM
PELLER ROTATION, SECTION C.
This pump may be mounted on guide rails or
cables for use with optional discharge elbow/base
plate kits, or it may be mounted on a trash stand
with an optional discharge elbow.
If the pump is configured for a guide rail/guide
cable application, the pump will be equipped with
a rail guide shoe which connects to the discharge
optional elbow/baseplate. When lowered into
place, the pump is automatically and securely con
nected to the elbow/baseplate and the piping sys
tem. For information on installing the guide rails,
see the literature accompanying them.
NOTE
When engaging the guide shoe and elbow/base
plate, make sure that the connection is not impeded
by mounting hardware, and that the guide shoe is
fully seated in the baseplate.
To install a pump configured for a guide rail/guide
cable application, engage the guide shoe at the
top of the guide rails and use a suitable lifting de
vice attached to the lifting handle to lower the
pump into the wet well. When the pump and guide
shoe engages the discharge elbow/baseplate, it
will form an automatic seal.
If the pump is mounted on a trash stand, secure a
discharge hose or pipe to the optional discharge
elbow and use a suitable lifting device attached to
the lifting handle to lower the pump into the wet
well.
Make certain that the pump and stand sit level in
the wet well.
Regardless of the installation configuration, the
maximum recommended submergence depth
is 65 feet (20 meters).

SF SERIES OM-06549
PAGE B - 3
INSTALLATION
After installation in the wet well, reel in any slack in
the cables so that they are not dragged into the
pump suction.
Piping
NOTE
Refer to Pump Performance in OPERATION -
SECTION C when determining the most efficient
piping installation.
No suction piping is required in a standard sub
merged operation.
Either hose or rigid pipe may be used to make dis
charge connections. The discharge line must be
independently supported to avoid vibration and
strain on the pump. For maximum pumping capac
ity, keep the line as short and straight as possible.
Elbows and fittings used in a discharge line in
crease friction losses; minimize their use.
It is recommended that a check valve or throttling
valve be installed in the discharge line to control si
phoning or back flow when the pump is shut off.
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
Install and operate this pump in accor
dance with the National Electrical Code
and all local codes. Have a qualified
electrician perform all checks and con
nections in this section.
Never attempt to alter the length of the
pump motor cable or to repair it with a
splice. The power cable and pump mo
tor must be kept completely waterproof.
Serious damage to the pump and injury
or death to personnel can result from
any alteration to the cable.
Field Wiring Connections (Incoming Power)
Field wiring is not provided with this pump, and
must be supplied by the user. The field wiring must
be of the proper size and type to ensure an ade
quate voltage supply to the pump. Voltage avail
able at the motor must be within the range indi
cated in Table B-2.
TABLE B-2. MOTOR VOLTAGE LIMITS
NOMINAL
VOLTAGE
PHASE MINIMUM
VOLTAGE
MAXIMUM
VOLTAGE
3460 414 506
3575 517 632
Use conduit cable clamps to secure the incoming
field wiring to the control box. Make certain all con
nections are tight. If necessary, support the cable
weight to prevent excessive strain on cable clamps
and cable.
Motor Cable Grounding Test
Do not connect the pump power or con
trol cables to the control box or incom
ing voltage before verifying the pump
ground. Otherwise, personnel will be
exposed to serious injury or death.
Connect one lead of a lamp, bell or similar testing
device to the motor cable green/yellow ground
lead (s). Connect the second test lead to an unin
sulated point on the pump body. The test circuit
should close.
If the test circuit does not close, there is a defect in
the cable or motor which must be corrected.
Control Box Connections
The pump warranty is void if the motor is
not operated through a control box ap
proved by Gorman‐Rupp.

OM-06549 SF SERIES
PAGE B - 4 INSTALLATION
This pump is shipped completely wired for the volt
age shown on the nameplate and is ready for op
eration through an approved control box.
Ground the control box in accordance with the in
structions accompanying it.
Ground the pump to the control box using the pow
er cable ground(s) and ground check wire (if so
equipped). Secure the ground wire(s) and ground
check wire (if so equipped) to the grounding lug(s)
inside the control box to ensure a thorough ground
for the pump.
Ground the pump using the power cable
ground wire(s) before applying line po
tential. Failure to properly ground the
pump could result in damage to the
pump or control and/or injury or death to
personnel.
Refer to Figures B-1 and connect the pump motor
cable to the control box.
Figure B-1. Three Phase Power
Cable Connections
Control leads P1 and P2 provide the motor with
thermal protection. Control leads W1 and W2 pro
vide the motor with moisture protection. Refer to
Figure B-3 and connect the pump control cable to
the control box.
Figure B-2. Control Cable Connections
The thermal protection contacts will auto
matically reclose when the motor cools to
the established safe operating tempera
ture. Whenever automatic restarting is not
desirable, connect only to controls which
are wired for manual restart.
Refer to the appropriate wiring diagram accompa
nying the control box when making electrical con
nections.
Liquid Level Devices
Optional controls available from Gorman‐Rupp
may provide a means to automatically regulate the
liquid level. These control boxes may be con
nected to the following sensing devices which per
form either filling or dewatering functions (see Fi
gure B-3).
The internal wiring of the sensing devices
are different for filling and dewatering func
tions. Be sure to follow the instructions in
cluded with the option before making con
nections.
SDiaphragm Type: two fixed‐position sen
sors (upper and lower) each contain a dia
phragm which flexes with changes in liquid
level, thus activating an enclosed miniature
switch.
SBulb (Float) Type: a bulb raises or lowers
(floats) with the liquid level, thus activating
an enclosed miniature switch.

SF SERIES OM-06549
PAGE B - 5
INSTALLATION
Other types of liquid level devices may also be
used. Consult the factory for the liquid level device
best suited for your application.
Liquid level devices must be positioned far
enough to allow 6 minutes between starts.
If the pump motor cycles more than 10
starts per hour, it will over‐heat, resulting in
damage to the motor windings or control
box components.
PUMP
CONTROL BOX
LIQUID LEVEL
RANGE
ON (FILLING)
TO LEVEL CONTROL CIRCUIT
IN MAIN CONTROL
BOX
BULB (FLOAT TYPE)
OFF
DEWATERING
PUMP
CONTROL BOX
TO LEVEL CONTROL CIRCUIT
IN MAIN CONTROL
BOX
LIQUID LEVEL
RANGE
OFF
DEWATERING
ON (FILLING)
DIAPHRAGM TYPE
Figure B-3. Liquid Level Devices

SF SERIES OM-06549
PAGE C - 1OPERATION
OPERATION - SECTION C
GENERAL INFORMATION
Review all SAFETY information in Section A.
This pump is designed to handle most
non‐volatile, non‐flammable liquids. Do
not attempt to pump any liquids for
which your pump is not approved, or
which may damage the pump or endan
ger personnel as a result of pump fail
ure. Consult the factory for specific ap
plication data.
Follow the instructions on all tags, labels and de
cals attached to the pump.
Pump Performance
Since operation of the pump motor is de
pendent upon the quality and performance
of the electrical controls, the pump warran
ty is valid only when controls have been
specified or provided by The Gorman‐
Rupp Company.
In the performance curve which follows, perform
ance is based on 70_F (21_C) clear water at sea
level. The performance of your pump may be differ
ent due to such factors as viscosity, specific grav
ity, elevation, temperature and impeller trim.
NOTE
The curve applies to standard production models.
If your pump serial number is followed by an “N”,
your pump is not a standard production model.
Contact the Gorman‐Rupp Company to verify per
formance.

OM-06549 SF SERIES
PAGE C - 2 OPERATION
SF8B 460/575V 3P PERFORMANCE CURVE

SF SERIES OM-06549
PAGE C - 3OPERATION
Control Box
Control boxes are available as optional equipment
from the factory. The control boxes contain con
trols for starting and stopping the pump, and pro
vide overload protection for the pump motor. The
pump control may be equipped with an optional
automatic liquid level sensing device, in which
case those circuits are also contained within the
control box.
Since operation of the pump motor is dependent
upon the quality and performance of the electrical
controls, the pump warranty is valid only when
controls have been specified or provided by The
Gorman‐Rupp Company.
The pump motor and control box are not
designed to be explosion‐proof. Do not
operate in an explosive atmosphere.
Any control box used to operate the
pump must be approved by the Gor
man‐Rupp Company for the application.
Improper location of a non‐explosion
proof control box could result in de
struction of equipment, injury or death
to personnel.
See the operating instructions furnished with the
control box, and with other optional accessories
and controls, before attempting to start the pump.
PUMP OPERATION
Liquid Temperature and Overheating.
Overheated pumps can cause severe
burns and injury. If the pump becomes
overheated:
1. Stop the pump immediately.
2. Lock out the power to the control
panel to ensure that the pump will
remain inoperative.
3. Allow the pump to completely cool
if overheated.
4. Close the discharge valve (if
used).
5. Refer to instructions in this manual
before restarting the pump.
Overheating can occur if the pump is misapplied;
if it is started more than 10 times within one hour;
if the temperature of the liquid being pumped ex
ceeds the temperature for which the pump was de
signed, if the control box fails to provide overload
or thermal protection, or if the pump is operated
against a closed discharge valve for an extended
period of time.
Do not start the pump more than 10 times
per hour. If the motor does not cool be
tween starts it will overheat, resulting in
damage to the motor windings.
Approach the pump cautiously after it
has been running. Although the motor is
cooled by the liquid being pumped, nor
mal operating temperatures can be high
enough to cause burns. The tempera
ture will be especially high if operated
against a closed discharge valve. Never
operate against a closed discharge
valve for long periods of time.
If overheating does occur, stop the pump immedi
ately and allow it to cool before servicing it. Ap
proach any overheated pump cautiously.
Overheated pumps can cause severe

OM-06549 SF SERIES
PAGE C - 4 OPERATION
burns and injuries. If overheating of the
pump occurs:
1. Stop the pump immediately.
2. Ventilate the area.
3. Allow the pump to completely cool.
4. Check the temperature before ser
vicing.
5. Vent the pump slowly and cau
tiously
6. Refer to instructions in this manual
before restarting the pump.
Impeller Rotation
Check impeller rotation as follows before operation
to ensure that the impeller is rotating in the correct
direction.
While checking impeller rotation, secure
the pump to prevent the power cable from
coiling.
Suspend the pump from the lifting device fitted on
the pump. Apply power briefly and note the direc
tion of pump kickback. As viewed from the top, the
pump should kick in a counterclockwise direc
tion; this will indicate that impeller rotation is cor
rect.
If the pump kicks in a clockwise direction, impeller
rotation is incorrect. If the pump is powered by a
three‐phase motor, have a qualified electrician in
terchange the control box connections of any two
pump motor power leads. Re‐check pump kick
back; it should now be in a counterclockwise direc
tion.
If rotation is incorrect on a single‐phase motor, con
tact the factory before installing the pump.
The electrical power used to operate
this pump is high enough to cause inju
ry or death. Make certain that incoming
power is off and locked out before inter
changing motor leads.
DIRECTION OF
KICKBACK
AT STARTUP
Figure C-1. Checking Pump Rotation
STARTING, STOPPING, AND
OPERATIONAL CHECKS
Starting
Do not attempt to operate the pump until
impeller rotation has been checked; im
proper rotation will affect pump perform
ance and may damage the pump.
Follow the instructions accompanying the control
box, start the pump, and run any recommended
checks.
Do not start the pump more than 10 times
per hour. If the pump motor does not cool

SF SERIES OM-06549
PAGE C - 5OPERATION
between starts, it will over‐heat, resulting in
damage to the motor windings.
Stopping
Follow the instructions accompanying the control
box for stopping the pump.
The integral thermal overload device
will shut off the motor if the temperature
rises above design limits. When the
pump cools and the temperature falls
below these limits, the motor will restart
automatically. To avoid the hazards of
an unexpected motor start‐up, do not at
tempt to handle or service the pump un
less all power to the motor has been
shut off and locked out at the control
box; otherwise, serious personal injury
could result.
During motor shutoff by the thermal
overload device, control box circuits re
main live. Do not attempt to service any
control box components unless incom
ing power has been shut off.
To stop the pump, turn the control handle OFF,
thereby opening the circuit breakers. This does
not terminate incoming power through the field
wiring connected to the control box.
After stopping the pump, be sure to perform all re
quired maintenance and preservation procedures.
Operational Checks
To detect minor problems, check the pump for
proper operation when it is first started, and at peri
odic intervals during operation.
To avoid serious damage to the pump,
check for unusual noises or excessive vi
bration while the pump is running. If noise
or vibration is excessive, stop operation
and refer to the troubleshooting chart in the
maintenance and repair manual.
The suction inlet or impeller may become clogged
with debris. In some cases, stopping the pump
momentarily may backflush this blockage. If back
flushing does not clear the debris, remove the
pump from the sump or wet well and clear manu
ally.
Never introduce air or steam pressure
into the pump casing to remove a block
age. This could result in personal injury
or damage to the equipment. If back
flushing is absolutely necessary, limit
liquid pressure input to 50% of the maxi
mum permissible operating pressure
shown in the pump performance curve.
Check the pump for overheating. Overheating can
occur if the pump is misapplied, required to start
repeatedly, if the control box fails to provide over
load or thermal protection, or if the pump is oper
ated against a closed discharge valve for an ex
tended period of time.
Do not start the pump more than 10 times
per hour. If the motor does not cool be
tween starts it will overheat, resulting in
damage to the motor windings.

OM-06549 SF SERIES
PAGE C - 6 OPERATION
Check the oil level(s) as indicated in the following
LUBRICATION section.
COLD WEATHER PRESERVATION
Do not attempt to thaw the pump by us
ing a torch or other source of flame. This
could damage gaskets, O‐rings or heat
the oil in the seal housing above critical
temperatures, causing the pump to rup
ture or explode.
The pump will not freeze as long as the casing is
submerged in liquid. If the casing is not sub
merged, or if the liquid begins to freeze, remove the
pump from the sump or wet well and dry it thor
oughly. Run the pump for two or three minutes to
dry the inner walls.
If the pump does freeze while it is out of the liquid,
submerge it until thawed; if the liquid is near freez
ing, the pump must be submerged for an extended
period of time. Check thawing by starting the pump
and checking that the shaft rotates freely. If the
pump remains frozen, allow additional thawing
time before attempting to restart.
If submerging does not thaw the pump, move it
into a warm area until completely thawed.
LUBRICATION
Do not remove plates, covers, gauges,
pipe plugs or fittings from an over
heated pump. Vapor pressure within the
pump can cause parts being disen
gaged to be ejected with great force. Al
low the pump to completely cool before
servicing.
On a new pump, check the oil level in the seal cav
ity before initial startup, and drain and replace the
oil after the first 200 hours of operation. Following
this, check the oil level in the seal cavity after the
first two weeks of operation, and every month
thereafter.
Before installing or removing the lubrication plugs,
always clean the area around the plugs to prevent
contamination.
Draining Oil
Refer to the Parts List in Maintenance and Repair
- Section E for drain plug location.
Lay the pump on its side with one of the pipe plugs
(7, Figure 2) facing up. Clean any dirt from around
the plug. Remove the plug slowly to release any
pressure and install a short 3/8‐inch NPT nipple in
the hole. Roll the pump and drain the seal oil into
a clean container.
Condition Of Oil
Check the condition of the oil drained from the
pump. Clear oil indicates that the pump seal(s) are
functioning properly. If the oil is milky or contains
a small amount of water, it must be changed.
If the oil contains a large amount of water, it must
be changed, and the seal(s) must be checked be
fore the pump is put back in operation (Mainte
nance and Repair - Section E).
Adding Oil
Refer to Maintenance and Repair - Section E for
the oil capacity for filling the seal cavity in your
pump.
The grade of lubricant used is critical to the opera
tion of this pump. Use premium quality submers
ible pump oil as specified in Table E-2 in Mainte
nance and Repair - Section E. Oil must be stored
in a clean, tightly closed container in a reasonably
dry environment.
When lubricating the seal cavity, position the pump
vertically after draining the oil as indicated above

SF SERIES OM-06549
PAGE C - 7OPERATION
in Draining Oil. Add premium quality submersible
pump oil through the fill plug hole until the oil is lev
el with the bottom of the plug hole.
Install and tighten the fill plug.