Common Dead Ender Pump Issues
Dead ender pumps are cycled hundreds of times a day in challenging conditions. Like all heavily worked hydraulic equipment, dead ender pumps require consistent maintenance, which is helpful for spotting many common dead ender pump issues, including:
- Hydraulic fluid contamination
- Hydraulic fluid leaks
- Poor or absent pressure delivery
- Overheating hydraulic components
If any of the above issues are present in your dead ender pumps, a hydraulic equipment technician can isolate, diagnose and resolve the problem.
What Causes Common Dead Ender Pump Issues?
When a hydraulic system develops a problem, it can often take longer to find the issue than to fix it. As such, the first step for pump operators is to understand where common dead ender pump issues come from. Here’s a closer look:
- Hydraulic fluid contamination – If your hydraulic pumps, cylinders or other system components are developing issues, the first thing to check is the hydraulic pump’s fluid levels. Contamination – either solid or liquid – wreaks havoc on hydraulic systems and is responsible for the majority of failures. If you notice contaminants in the dead ender pump’s fluid, it could be coming from many sources, including dust or water in the environment, particles entering the system during service (like a fluid change), condensation, internal component wear, or an overly soiled filter.
- Hydraulic fluid issues – When hydraulic systems spring a leak, it’s not always clear where the leak is originating from, or if there even is a leak. Loss of pressure delivery is a common issue you may notice if a leak is present.
If you notice hydraulic fluid pooling around equipment, it’s possible the leak could be coming from the dead ender pump. The first thing to check is the hydraulic pump’s seals and filters – including the seals around the shaft connecting the pump to the motor. This is where hydraulic fluid is most apt to escape from the system.
- Slow (or no) power delivery – If your dead ender pumps can’t get power to your hydraulic jacks and cylinders, the most common reason is an internal leak. There are other common dead ender pump issues that can lead to loss of power, including fluid obstructions, which may result from debris suspended in the flow, clogged filters, low oil levels, excessive component wear, valve settings or drive belt issues.
Overheating dead ender pump components – Overheating is both a cause and symptom of many common dead ender pump issues. If hydraulic fluid overheats, its viscosity and, by extension, its flow characteristics are negatively impacted. This can have major adverse effects on the dead ender pump’s performance.
An overheating hydraulic system will wear faster and fail sooner, so it’s important for operators to take the dead ender pump’s temperature frequently, along with the system’s heat exchanger and around any valves. It’s here where fluid obstructions and equipment issues may lead to overheating.
Addressing Common Dead Ender Pump Issues
If your dead ender pump is losing power, overheating, producing unusual noises or otherwise performing poorly, there are steps your company can take to mitigate those problems. Simple but effective dead ender pump maintenance includes:
- Maintaining adequate hydraulic fluid levels.
- Periodically cleaning the dead ender pump’s reservoir, suction strainer, body and any connections.
- Checking and replacing hydraulic filters as necessary. Most filters have visual indicators that trigger when the filter needs to be replaced.
- Inspecting hydraulic fluid at least monthly. This may include fluid sampling and lab analysis to catch invisible sediments.
- Regularly checking the dead ender pump’s temperature. This can be done with a thermal gun, but make sure to take temperature readings from the same test spots for accurate comparisons.
- Inspecting all of the other hydraulic system’s components. Any hydraulic cylinders, the hydraulic hoses, their connections and all valves (especially the control valve) require attention to ensure they remain clean and properly calibrated.
Another proven way to protect your hydraulic equipment from common dead ender pump issues: Partner with a hydraulic technician to protect your important assets.
How an Expert Hydraulic Technician Can Support Your Dead Ender Pumps
A hydraulic equipment technician can act as your company’s ultimate backup plan should your dead ender pumps experience downtime. Here is why many crews invest in a professional partnership with an experienced hydraulic equipment technician:
- Faster turnaround on any hydraulic equipment repairs
- More accurate, more precise diagnostics during equipment servicing
- Preventative maintenance that prolongs the dead ender pump’s lifespan and improves performance
- Access to a greater inventory of hydraulic system parts and components
- Expert care when assembling or disassembling hydraulic equipment for inspection. This is important to prevent contamination during maintenance.
- Peace of mind that your valuable dead ender pumps are properly maintained and repaired
If your hydraulic pump operators aren’t trained or comfortable performing detailed dead ender pump maintenance, a hydraulic technician partner will ensure your equipment remains in excellent condition.
Many Common Dead Ender Pump Issues Can be Prevented with Consistent Maintenance
Some common dead ender pump issues may indicate imminent, and potentially costly, failure. Avoid these failures by acting as soon as problems emerge by contacting your trusted hydraulic expert to schedule service. An experienced hydraulic equipment technician can take charge of all maintenance processes, keeping your dead ender pumps in working order so your teams remain productive in the field.