Understanding and Maintaining Gears for the Wheatley GASO Piston Pump

Understanding and Maintaining Gears for the Wheatley GASO Piston Pump

The efficient operation of the Wheatley GASO piston pump relies on two principal types of gears: herringbone gears and worm gears. These components play a critical role in ensuring smooth functionality and proper lubrication for the pump’s moving parts.

Herringbone Gears: Design and Operation

Herringbone gears in Wheatley GASO piston pumps utilize the continuous tooth Sykes design, ensuring maximum durability and efficiency. Key components include:

  • The pinion gear: made of alloy steel, this gear is keyed securely to the pinion shaft.
  • The main gear: crafted from high-grade semi-steel or ductile iron, it features an internal flange for bolting to the crankshaft using cap screws.

The meshing of the herringbone gears provides the principal method of lubrication for the pinion and crankshaft bearings. Therefore, the pinion must be turning in the direction specified on the power frame casting and the gears must be meshing so the center part of the gear teeth come together first.

Although pumps may run backwards without adversely affecting operation, always run them faster than 75 strokes per minute or install an optional low speed lubrication kit.

Ring and Worm Gears: Structure and Removal

The main gear (or ring gear) is made of a special nickel alloy bronze and includes an internal flange to bolt it to the center disc of the crankshaft. The driving worm and shaft is made as a single piece of chrome nickel steel that is hardened and ground.

To remove the worm and shaft:

  1. Detach the flexible coupling, stuffing box, and thrust bearing jam nut from the other end of the shaft.
  2. Slide the thrust bearings off the shaft.
  3. Remove the worm and shaft through the end of the worm case closest to the liquid end of the pump.

Removing the crankshaft and main gear is a straightforward process, but it requires careful handling to prevent damage. To remove the crankshaft and main gear:

  1. Remove the cap screws securing the oil reservoir half rings to the inner ends of the main bearing housings.
  2. Take off the bearing housing clamps and pull the housings outward until they’re free of the bearings.
  3. Lift out the crankshaft and gear assembly, ensuring the assembly is supported by a hoist or block before removing the bearing housings.

Understanding the design and proper handling of these components is essential for maintaining your Wheatley GASO piston pump. For a full guide on Piston Pump Operating Instructions, contact IEQ today.