Swannanoa Fire Department Pump Maintenance Check
Swannanoa Fire Department Pump Maintenance Check
Ladder 6, 2007 Crimson, Waterous CSV, Pump# 128431
Engine 61, 1985 E-One/GMC Brigadier, Hale model QF 125-21, Pump# 50287
Engine 62, 2000 KME/International, Hale model QMAX100-23l, Pump# 79917
Tanker 6, 1987 4-Guys/Mack, Hale model ?, Pump# ?
Squad 6, 2001Chassis-? Pump year KME, Hale model AP50-23, Pump# 98A5050
Brush 6, Hale model HPX200-B18, Ser# 01B0722
1. Assure the apparatus is chocked. Throttle up to 150PSI, turn the pilot valve back till relieve valve engages, drops the pressure and slowly bring it back up till the relief valve quits. Turn the valve 2 more turns in the same direction then throttle up and see if the pressure does not increase more than 10-15psi.
2. Transfer valve and swing check test (Applies only to Engine 61, GMC Brigadier)
A. Make sure relief is above 200 psi (So it will not activate during this check)
B. Set the Transfer Valve to AVolume@ and throttle up to 100psi and note engine RPM.
C. Throttle down below 50 psi and switch the Transfer Valve to APressure@
D. Throttle up to the same engine RPM as before. The PSI should be reading 200 (doubled) now.
E. If the pressure does not double, there may be sand or grit around the clapper valve which does not allow it to close fully. Drain the pump casing of water, remove steamer valve, connect a line to a intake or discharge valve and let it flow while using a pike pole to move the clapper valve as shown in the graphic. Refill, check for air in the pump (re-prime), check the relief valve setting and repeat.
3. Testing the primer for a weekly test consists of having the pumps in gear, throttling up a little (to provide adequate amperage to primer motor) and activating the primer. The primer should discharge water and/or water and oil. It should not stick and should be easily movable. Any sticking of the primer should be either lubricated (with a non-petroleum product) or may occasionally require disassembly, polishing of the piston and re-lubrication.
4. Any obvious leaks from non-connected valves or by disconnecting pre-connects to see if water in the hose. ANY leaks may adversely effect drafting capability and should be repaired as well as potential for water freezing in a pre-connected line during winter time.
5. The indicator lights for gear transfer should be changed if not working. The light is an issue of it=s own but you should also be checking for proper gear transfer.
6. Replace as needed, every bulb should be working.
8. Use a non-petroleum product for lubricating the pilot valve threads, the valve=s operation should be smooth with minimal effort to operate.
9. Lubricate the valve operating rods and holders for smooth operation. Occasionally, you may have to thoroughly clean the rods with a de-greaser, rinse and re-lubricate.
10. Drips come from the packing are an important part of cooling for the pump shaft and it=s proper seal. Adjusting the packing on E6 is more difficult because of the location of bolts but E62 cannot be adjusted, it has a mechanical seal with a ceramic style disc pushed forward by a spring that adjusts itself throughout wear and tear and should not have to be replaced for at least ten years. Replacing the packing of a pump will be time consuming if necessary.
11. *Warning* - the pump is not engaged during this check
A. Drain all water from the pump, open steamer cap and suction intakes to release all water. On a Multi-Stage pump such as Engine 61 (Brigadier), you will have to use a pike pole or other device to prop open the clapper valve to allow more water to escape. Replace the steamer cap and close all others.
B. Pre-connected hoselines may remain attached to their discharge but may have to be removed and capped if vacuum test fails.
C. Check the primer oil then operate the primer for 15 to 30 seconds until 20 to 22 inches of mercury shows on the master intake/suction gauge
D. Shut everything down for 5 minutes to see if a vacuum loss occurs.
E. A loss of more than 10 inches of mercury in 5 minutes denotes a problem. Listen to see if you can tell an obvious vacuum leak to help locate the problem first or you may place Saran wrap with rubber bands over the discharges and intakes. With the valves closed, pull a vacuum again and any leaking valves will pull in the Saran wrap. This may help locate one of the problems but it may not be the only one. If all attempts still find no answer then there may be a problem with the pump packing or seals.
12.
The Floor Test procedures
The Floor Test is a regular check of the mechanical condition of the pump and associated equipment to determine if any weakness or defects exist. The fireground is not the place to discover an existing problem, especially when lives depend on the performance of the apparatus
1. Primer, seals and tightness test (3rd A-shift of each month):
3. Pressure Control test (3rd & 7th A-Shift)
With pump engaged, open tank to pump and tank fill valve all the way. Throttle up and set the relief to 150 psi. Close the tank fill valve completely and the pressure should hold at 145 - 155psi (+ or - 5lbs).
Compressor Maintenance
Oil level in reservoir - Should be checked prior to compressor use during the inspection. Apparatus should be on level ground. If compressor has been operated wait at least 10 minutes to allow cooling before checking level. Should be 2 way visible in sight window. Replacement oil is a common hydraulic oil, use ISO viscosity 68. Fill cap is located on top of the unit.
Oil must be changed annually and after the first 30 hours of initial breakin. Drainplug located at bottom of sump.
Change the compressor system oil filter at the same time as the oil is changed. The spin-on filter cartridge is a Donaldson hydraulic oil filter. Call Pneumax for replacement parts (Diag 4 of manual)