FMC M12-HD, Operation & Maintenance Manual, Page: 7 / 20

F M C M 1 2 - H D O P E R A T I O N A N D M A I N T E N A N C E M A N U A L
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Lubrication Requirements
FMC pumps are supplied without oil in the crankcase and must be filled with oil prior to
startup. The FMC M12-HD pump requires 12 quarts (11.4 liters) of oil. Any anti-wear gear,
turbine, or hydraulic oil of the proper viscosity will work. Oils with EP, anti-foaming, or R&O
additives work well and are recommended by FMC. Use only high quality oil with a viscosity
of SAE 30 weight (ISO 100).
It is critical that condition of the oil be monitored carefully to insure it is at the proper level and
has not been contaminated. FMC provides a sight gage mounted at the rear of the pump
case that allows easy inspection of oil level and condition. The M12 pump does not require
any periodic greasing.
If your pump is equipped with an external gear reducer, consult its manufacturer for oil
requirements and service intervals. External gear reducers do not share a common oil
reservoir with the pump.
Suction System Information
FMC pumps require a minimum Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH) for proper operation. The
calculation of NPSH available for a specific pump system is a function of pump size, speed,
fluid temperature, suction pump diameter and length, and a host of other factors. This is a
complicated value for the average user to determine, so FMC has provided some general
guidelines that will work in the majority of installations.
FMC recommends that suction pipe be as short and directly routed from the source as
possible. Always use suction piping at least one pipe size larger than the pump inlet. Use
caution with flexible (fire) type hoses that can kink and restrict flow area. FMC also
recommends that a booster pump be used on all M12 pump installations. The booster pump
should be sized to provide between 20-50 psi AT THE PUMP INLET CONNECTION PORT
UNDER ALL OPERATING CONDITIONS AND SPEEDS.