ASK ANDY: Corken WINTER Pump Maintenance
QUESTION: What type of maintenance does the pump
require on my truck? We are using Corken’s ZSeries
pumps in our fleet.
ANSWER: In the winter, pump seals more commonly
fail due to the lower gas pressure in the pump
caused by colder temperatures. Overgreasing causes contamination
of the mechanical seals, often resulting
in seal failure. This is evidenced by an obvious leak through
the grease fittings, pump vents, and the
shaft leaving the pump. The Corken Z-Series pumps are designed
to hold approximately 2-1/2 pumps of
grease, unlike competitor pumps that have a large grease cavity.
These large cavity pumps hold more
grease, but the outside grease is easily contaminated. When you
add new grease, the contaminated grease is
pushed into the bearings, causing frequent pump seal and bearing
failures. The Corken Z-Series pumps are
designed to eliminate that problem.
Before attempting any pump maintenance, make sure all safety systems
are in place and you have reviewed
your applicable company policies and service manuals. First, make
sure the grease vent is free, by lifting up
on the stem. The vent can get stuck with paint, grime or become
frozen shut. You need to make sure it is
working freely so that it can serve as a filling indicator and
vent, as designed. There are 2 lubrication points
in which to grease the pump bearings; one grease fitting (zerk)
per bearing cap located at the opposite ends
of the pump. First, clean the grease fitting then insert the grease
gun over the grease fitting. Make sure you
do not mistake the seal vent for the grease fitting! Please refer
to the diagram in this article. Slowly begin to
apply ball bearing grease (temperature rating between –30°
to -70° F). Carefully watch the grease vent. As
the chamber fills, the vent will begin to rise. Once the vent
rises, stop applying grease. If grease oozes from
the vent, you have overfilled the chamber. Repeat the procedure
on the other side. The Corken Z-Model
pump will give you years of worry-free service with regular maintenance
and care. On a daily basis you
should also be checking for leaks and inspect hose fittings. Lubricate
the bearing monthly. Every 3 months,
inspect the drive coupling.
