GORMAN-RUPP VGH Series User manual

OM‐06114-02
April 16, 2008
Rev. A 09‐20‐16
GORMAN‐RUPP PUMPS
www.grpumps.com
e2008 Gorman‐Rupp Pumps Printed in U.S.A.
INSTALLATION, OPERATION,
AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
WITH PARTS LIST
VGH SERIES PUMP
MODEL
VGH1 1/4D31-B

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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............................................
POSITIONING PUMP PAGE B -1.......................................................
Lifting PAGE B - 1.................................................................
Mounting PAGE B - 2.............................................................
SUCTION AND DISCHARGE PIPING PAGE B - 2.........................................
Materials PAGE B - 2..............................................................
Line Configuration PAGE B - 2......................................................
Connections to Pump PAGE B - 2..................................................
Gauges PAGE B - 2...............................................................
SUCTION LINES PAGE B - 2...........................................................
Fittings PAGE B - 2...............................................................
Strainers PAGE B - 2..............................................................
Sealing PAGE B - 2...............................................................
Suction Lines In Sumps PAGE B - 3.................................................
Suction Line Positioning PAGE B - 3................................................
DISCHARGE LINES PAGE B - 4........................................................
Siphoning PAGE B - 4.............................................................
Valves PAGE B - 4................................................................
LUBRICATION PAGE B - 4.............................................................
Bearings PAGE B - 4..............................................................
Seal Assembly PAGE B - 4.........................................................
ALIGNMENT PAGE B - 4..............................................................
Coupled Drives PAGE B - 5........................................................
V‐Belt Drives PAGE B - 5...........................................................
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS PAGE B - 6...............................................
GROUNDING PAGE B - 6.............................................................
OPERATION - SECTION C PAGE C - 1......................................
PRIMING PAGE C - 1.................................................................
Hand Primers PAGE C - 1..........................................................
Exhaust Primers PAGE C - 2.......................................................
Auxiliary Ejectors PAGE C - 2.......................................................
Vacuum Pumps PAGE C - 2........................................................
STARTING PAGE C - 2................................................................
Rotation PAGE C - 2..............................................................
OPERATION PAGE C - 3..............................................................
Leakage PAGE C - 3..............................................................
Liquid Temperature And Overheating PAGE C - 3.....................................
Strainer Check PAGE C - 3.........................................................
Pump Vacuum Check PAGE C - 3..................................................
Operational Checks PAGE C - 3....................................................
STOPPING PAGE C - 4................................................................
Cold Weather Preservation PAGE C - 4..............................................

TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
ii
BEARING TEMPERATURE CHECK PAGE C - 4..........................................
LUBRICATION PAGE C - 4.............................................................
Seal Assembly PAGE C - 4.........................................................
Bearings PAGE C - 5..............................................................
Power Source PAGE C - 5.........................................................
TROUBLESHOOTING - SECTION D PAGE D - 1..............................
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PAGE D - 3...............................................
PUMP MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR ‐ SECTION E PAGE E - 1.................
STANDARD PERFORMANCE CURVE PAGE E - 1........................................
PARTS LIST:
Pump End Assembly PAGE E - 3...................................................
PUMP AND SEAL DISASSEMBLY AND REASSEMBLY PAGE E - 4.........................
Pump Casing and Impeller Removal PAGE E - 4......................................
Wear Ring Removal PAGE E - 5....................................................
Seal Removal PAGE E - 5..........................................................
Shaft and Bearing Removal And Disassembly PAGE E - 5.............................
Shaft and Bearing Reassembly and Installation PAGE E - 6............................
Wear Ring Installation PAGE E - 7..................................................
Seal Installation PAGE E - 7........................................................
Impeller and Pump Casing Installation PAGE E - 9....................................
Final Pump Assembly PAGE E - 9..................................................
LUBRICATION PAGE E - 9.............................................................
Seal Assembly PAGE E - 9.........................................................
Bearings PAGE E - 9..............................................................

VGH SERIES OM-06114
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.

VGH SERIES OM-06114
PAGE A - 1SAFETY
SAFETY ‐ SECTION A
This information applies to VGH Series
basic pumps. Gorman‐Rupp has no
control over or particular knowledge of
the power source which will be used.
Refer to the manual accompanying the
power source before attempting to be
gin operation.
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 open or service the
pump:
1. Familiarize yourself with this man
ual.
2. Lock out or disconnect the power
source to ensure that the pump will
remain inoperative.
3. Allow the pump to completely cool
if overheated.
4. Check the temperature before
opening any covers, plates, or
plugs.
5. Close the suction and discharge
valves.
6. Vent the pump slowly and cau
tiously.
7. Drain the pump.
This pump is designed to handle clear
liquids that do not contain large en
trained solids. Only the Gorman‐Rupp
Company or an authorized Gorman‐
Rupp distributor may modify a pump or
approve its use for handling volatile,
flammable liquids. If the pump is used
for handling volatile, flammable liquids,
all drivers and/or controls must meet in
dustry standards and codes for use in
an explosive atmosphere. Do not at
tempt to pump liquids for which the
pump, driver and/or controls have not
been approved, or which may damage
the pump or endanger personnel as a
result of pump failure.
If this pump has been approved for use
with volatile and/or flammable liquids,
be certain proper safety practices are
followed before operating or servicing
the pump. Provide adequate ventilation,
prohibit smoking, wear static‐resistant
clothing and shoes. Clean up all fuel
spills immediately after occurrence.
Do not install and operate a non‐explo
sion proof motor in an explosive atmo
sphere. Install, connect, and operate
the motor in accordance with the Na
tional Electric Code and all local codes.
If there is a conflict between the instruc
tions in the manual accompanying the
unit and the National Electric Code or
the applicable local code, the National
or local code shall take precedence.
If this pump is used with volatile and/or
flammable liquids, overheating may
produce dangerous fumes. Take pre
cautions to ensure the area surrounding

VGH SERIESOM-06114
PAGE A - 2 SAFETY
the pump is adequately ventilated. Al
low the pump to cool and use extreme
caution when venting the pump, or
when removing covers, plates, plugs, or
fittings.
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. Suction and dis
charge hoses and piping must be re
moved from the pump before lifting. Lift
the pump or component only as high as
necessary and keep personnel away
from suspended objects.
After the pump has been installed, make
certain that the pump and all piping or
hose connections are tight, properly
supported and secure before operation.
Do not operate the pump without the
shields and/or guards in place over the
drive shaft, belts, and/or couplings, or
other rotating parts. Exposed rotating
parts can catch clothing, fingers, or
tools, causing severe injury to person
nel.
Do not operate the pump against a
closed discharge valve for long periods
of time. If operated against a closed dis
charge valve, pump components will
deteriorate, and the liquid could come
to a boil, build pressure, and cause the
pump casing to rupture or explode.
Overheated pumps can cause severe
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
opening any covers, plates,
gauges, or plugs.
5. Vent the pump slowly and cau
tiously.
6. Refer to instructions in this manual
before restarting the pump.
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.
Never run this pump backwards. Be cer
tain that rotation is correct before fully
engaging the pump.
Pumps and related equipment must be in
stalled and operated according to all na
tional, local and industry standards.

VGH SERIES OM-06114
PAGE B - 1INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - SECTION B
Review all SAFETY information in Section A.
Since pump installations are seldom identical, this
section offers only general recommendations and
practices required to inspect, position, and ar
range the pump and piping.
Most of the information pertains to a standard
static lift application where the pump is positioned
above the free level of liquid to be pumped.
If installed in a flooded suction application where
the liquid is supplied to the pump under pressure,
some of the information such as mounting, line
configuration, and priming must be tailored to the
specific application. Since the pressure supplied
to the pump is critical to performance and safety,
be sure to limit the incoming pressure to 50% of the
maximum permissible operating pressure as
shown on the pump performance curve (see Sec
tion E, Page 1).
For further assistance, contact your Gorman‐Rupp
distributor or the Gorman‐Rupp Company.
PREINSTALLATION INSPECTION
The pump assembly was inspected and tested be
fore shipment from the factory. Before installation,
inspect the pump for damage which may have oc
curred during shipment. Check as follows:
a. Inspect the pump and engine for cracks,
dents, damaged threads, and other obvious
damage.
b. Check for and tighten loose attaching hard
ware. Since gaskets tend to shrink after dry
ing, check for loose hardware at mating sur
faces.
c. Carefully read all tags, decals, and markings
on the pump assembly, and perform all duties
indicated.
d. Check levels and lubricate as necessary. Re
fer to LUBRICATION in the MAINTENANCE
AND REPAIR section of this manual and per
form duties as instructed.
e. If the pump has been stored for more than 12
months, some of the components or lubri
cants may have exceeded their maximum
shelf life. These must be inspected or re
placed to ensure maximum pump service.
If the maximum shelf life has been exceeded, or if
anything appears to be abnormal, contact your
Gorman‐Rupp distributor or the factory to deter
mine the repair or updating policy. Do not put the
pump into service until appropriate action has
been taken.
POSITIONING PUMP
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. Suction and dis
charge hoses and piping must be re
moved from the pump before lifting. Lift
the pump or component only as high as
necessary and keep personnel 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.

OM-06114 VGH SERIES
PAGE B - 2 INSTALLATION
Mounting
Locate the pump in an accessible place as close as
practical to the liquid being pumped. Level mount
ing is essential for proper operation.
The pump may have to be supported or shimmed
to provide for level operation or to eliminate vibra
tion.
SUCTION AND DISCHARGE PIPING
Materials
Either pipe or hose maybe used for suction and
discharge lines; however, the materials must be
compatible with the liquid being pumped. If hose is
used in suction lines, it must be the rigid‐wall, rein
forced type to prevent collapse under suction. Us
ing piping couplings in suction lines is not recom
mended.
Line Configuration
Keep suction and discharge lines as straight as
possible to minimize friction losses. Make mini
mum use of elbows and fittings, which substan
tially increase friction loss. If elbows are necessary,
use the long‐radius type to minimize friction loss.
Connections to Pump
Before tightening a connecting flange, align it ex
actly with the pump port. Never pull a pipe line into
place by tightening the flange bolts and/or cou
plings.
Lines near the pump must be independently sup
ported to avoid strain on the pump which could
cause excessive vibration, decreased bearing life,
and increased shaft and seal wear. If hose‐type
lines are used, they should have adequate support
to secure them when filled with liquid and under
pressure.
Gauges
Most pumps are drilled and tapped for installing
discharge pressure and vacuum suction gauges.
If these gauges are desired for pumps that are not
tapped, drill and tap the suction and discharge
lines not less than 18 inches (457,2 mm) from the
suction and discharge ports and install the lines.
Installation closer to the pump may result in erratic
readings.
SUCTION LINES
To avoid air pockets which could affect pump prim
ing, the suction line must be as short and direct as
possible. When operation involves a suction lift, the
line must always slope upward to the pump from
the source of the liquid being pumped; if the line
slopes down to the pump at any point along the
suction run, air pockets will be created.
Fittings
Suction lines should be the same size as the pump
inlet. If reducers are used in suction lines, they
should be the eccentric type, and should be in
stalled with the flat part of the reducers uppermost
to avoid creating air pockets. Valves are not nor
mally used in suction lines, but if a valve is used,
install it with the stem horizontal to avoid air pock
ets.
Strainers
If a strainer is not furnished with the pump, but is
installed by the pump user, make certain that the
total area of the openings in the strainer is at least
three or four times the cross section of the suction
line, and that the openings will not permit passage
of solids larger than the solids handling capability
of the pump.
This pump is designed to handle up to 11/64 inch
(4,5 mm) diameter spherical solids.
Sealing
Since even a slight leak will affect priming, head,
and capacity, especially when operating with a
high suction lift, all connections in the suction line
should be sealed with pipe dope to ensure an air
tight seal. Follow the sealant manufacturer's rec
ommendations when selecting and applying the
pipe dope. The pipe dope should be compatible
with the liquid being pumped.

VGH SERIES OM-06114
PAGE B - 3INSTALLATION
Suction Lines In Sumps
If a single suction line is installed in a sump, it
should be positioned away from the wall of the
sump at a distance equal to 1 1/2 times the diame
ter of the suction line.
If there is a liquid flow from an open pipe into the
sump, the flow should be kept away from the suc
tion inlet because the inflow will carry air down into
the sump, and air entering the suction line will re
duce pump efficiency.
If it is necessary to position inflow close to the suc
tion inlet, install a baffle between the inflow and the
suction inlet at a distance 1‐1/2 times the diameter
of the suction pipe. The baffle will allow entrained
air to escape from the liquid before it is drawn into
the suction inlet.
If two suction lines are installed in a single sump,
the flow paths may interact, reducing the efficiency
of one or both pumps. To avoid this, position the
suction inlets so that they are separated by a dis
tance equal to at least 3 times the diameter of the
suction pipe.
Suction Line Positioning
The depth of submergence of the suction line is
critical to efficient pump operation. Figure 1 shows
recommended minimum submergence vs. veloc
ity.
NOTE
The pipe submergence required may be reduced
by installing a standard pipe increaser fitting at the
end of the suction line. The larger opening size will
reduce the inlet velocity. Calculate the required
submergence using the following formula based
on the increased opening size (area or diameter).
Figure 1. Recommended Minimum Suction Line Submergence vs. Velocity