Choosing and Maintaining the Right Diesel Water Pump
by Guest on Mar 25, 2014
Diesel water pumps are suitable for both agricultural and industrial applications. To make optimum use of these pumps, consumers must know a few things about what to look for during purchase and how to maintain them.
How to Determine Pump Performance
The performance of a pump is determined by its pressure and volume. Volume is measured in gallons per minute or GPM while pressure is measured in pounds per square inch or PSI. The pressure is directly related to the head, which refers to the water column that the pressure of the pump exerts. The pressure is calculated by multiplying the head in feet by 0.433.
A decrease in head leads to an increase in flow and vice versa, and buyers must trade off the rate of flow depending on the amount of heat they need. Some of the factors determining the performance of water pumps are elevation and length of hose used.
The head or pressure of a pump and its flow are known as the duty or duty point. The efficiency of a pump will vary based on possible duties. If the pressure changes when performing the same duty, however, it means something is wrong.
Another important term is the lift, which refers to the vertical distance between the waterline and centerline of the impeller, the rotating disc with vanes that push water forward using centrifugal force.
Maintaining Diesel Water Pumps
The maintenance of diesel engines hinges on two systems: lubrication and cooling systems.
• Lubrication System
The combustion of diesel produces large amounts of carbon that get into the lube oil. When the carbon accumulates in the oil, it lowers its lubricating ability significantly. Carbon also affects the oil’s cooling ability by hindering the transfer of heat. Sulfuric acid builds up in the lube oil with time, leading to the damage of bearings.
It is therefore important to change the lube oil more frequently. Typically, diesel lube oil should be changed after every 100 hours, and this is assuming that the recommended oil grade is used.
Going for cheaper oils and filters will prove costly in the long run.
• Cooling System
Diesel engines operate under high compression that leads to a fast build-up of heat. If the cooling system does not work efficiently, the temperature can rise significantly within one minute. The cooling systems in diesel engines are even more critical than in gasoline types because even minor overheat conditions can cause serious damages. Overheating happens faster while the internal components are not very tolerant of damage.
The cooling system must be inspected regularly to detect faults early. Users must also ensure the system remains clean by not adding straight coolant or simply pouring in water. The coolant must be mixed in the recommended ratios to cool effectively and prevent corrosion.
Vibrations
Vibration in any part of the pump, especially the engine, will damage the engine. Components that will suffer include gaskets and hoses.
The suction line is prone to damage in pumps that work above the water level, and it needs closer attention.
The poor performance of diesel water pumps is caused by two primary factors: the incorrect selection of pumps and poor maintenance. Poor performance leads to reduced productivity and increased pumping costs. Proper pump selection and regular maintenance ensure the lowest running costs.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
85083 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
69030 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
67125 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
46149 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
28242 Views
Latest Articles
Grooved Composite Decking: Benefits and Best Practices
Composite decking has become increasingly popular over the last decade thanks to its durability, low-maintenance, and natural wood-like appearance....
on Nov 23, 2023
Innovative Materials in Modern Rainscreen Systems
In today's world of architectural advancements, the materials we use to protect and adorn our structures have evolved dramatically. Within this...
on Aug 25, 2023
Benefits of Aluminum Windows for Homeowners
Aluminum windows have emerged as a popular choice among Australian homeowners, offering a compelling combination of energy efficiency and modern...
on Aug 10, 2023
Investment Tactics for Premium Condominiums
Singapore continues to be a magnet for property investments, with its robust economy, political stability, and appealing real estate market acting...
on Aug 3, 2023
10 Essential Questions to Ask During a Sunroom and Lanai Consultation
When considering the addition of a sunroom or lanai to your home, a consultation with a professional lanai contractor is crucial. This initial...
on Jul 24, 2023
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates

Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Sponsored Articles
Grooved Composite Decking: Benefits and Best Practices
on Nov 23, 2023
Garden / Landscaping / Patio
Composite decking has become increasingly popular over the last decade thanks to its durability, low-maintenance, and natural wood-like appearance....
Innovative Materials in Modern Rainscreen Systems
on Aug 25, 2023
Windows / Siding

In today's world of architectural advancements, the materials we use to protect and adorn our structures have evolved dramatically. Within this...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 262
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 239
- Real Estate / Finance — 196
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 115
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 112
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
Four Tips to Help Prolong the Life of Your AC Unit
When you walk in from a hot summer day, you expect to be hit with a rush of cool air. Your air conditioning unit is crucial to keeping your home...
The Benefits of Artificial Plants
Indoor greenery is making a comeback. It is more than a nod toward the sustainability movement. It is also spreading because of the psychological...
10 Ways to Invest Your Tax Refund at Home
Most people spend there Income tax refund on vacations and personal items. However investing your income tax check on home improvement can increase...
When Does It Make Sense to Fix Your Coffee Machine?
Is your coffee maker acting up? When appliances start malfunctioning, it is often hard to know what to do. Should you try fixing the item yourself...
Moving Countdown: Frequently Overlooked Tasks
Running a moving company also means getting a firsthand look at the moving process over and over again. After years of helping people get from...