32
TROUBLESHOOTING
09
Manual 1843 Rev B p/n 001843 0000
Although Tuthill Vacuum & Blower Systems blowers are well-designed and manufactured, problems may occur
due to normal wear and the need for readjustment. The following chart lists symptoms that may occur along
with probable causes and remedies.
SYMPTOM
PROBABLE CAUSE
REMEDIES
System ultimate
pressure
excessively
high
Process equipment
contaminated by high vapor
pressure material
Clean equipment with acetone, alcohol, or other. Pump
down with vacuum pump overnight.
Process equipment or pump
leaks
Leak-check process equipment. Repair leaks as necessary.
Oil flow restricted (oil level
should change with pump
pressure)
Drain oil, remove and clean external oil piping, clean
y-strainer (KT500/850), and replace external oil filter, if so
equipped.
Vacuum pump oil
contaminated
Change pump oil.
See Changing the Oil on page 24
and
Oil Contamination on page 24
.
Discharge valve
malfunctioning
Check valves per
Discharge Valves on page 26
.
Vacuum pump shaft seal
malfunctioning
Check shaft seal per
Shaft Seal Assembly on page 27
.
Vacuum pump internal parts
worn or damaged
Dismantle pump and inspect internal parts.
See
Disassembly on page 29
.
Excessive
pump noise at
low pressure
Clacking noise of pump
discharge
Open the gas ballast valve. If noise disappears with air
bleed, the noise is from the discharge valves and not a
concern. Open small bleed at gas ballast valve if it cannot
be tolerated due to loss of vacuum.
Knocking noise
If the noise is still present with air bleed, the noise may be
mechanical due to knocking of rotary internals because of
excess wear. Change out rotary internals such as piston,
cam, and slide pin.