Hydraulic vane pump preparation before use

Reservoirs and circuits should be clean and free of dirt and debris before filling with fluid.

Purification of the circuit:

The tank should be filled with filtered hydraulic fluid. The fluid level should be high enough to prevent vortices from forming at the pump inlet suction continuum. Flushing and filtering with an external auxiliary pump is the best way to purify the system.

Prime pump and remove air:

If the vane pump is installed above the liquid level, the pump should be filled with oil through the oil port. If the vane pump is installed below the liquid level, the pump outlet fitting (or other downstream fitting or plug) can be loosened to allow the oil to purge air. It may be necessary to loosen the filler cap on the tank to allow the oil to flow freely. When a pure liquid stream free of visible air bubbles begins to escape through a loose fitting, the fitting should be retightened.

A bleed valve in the outlet circuit is also recommended for the removal of trapped air, and if this is used, the pump should be primed with oil before starting. In some cases, the pump can be primed by running the engine starter for 5 to 10 seconds with the throttle and switch in the off setting. A fitting or plug at the pump outlet must be loosened to allow air to escape.

Starting the vane pump:

All control parts should be installed in the neutral position, so that there is no load when the vane pump starts. Start the engine and run it at idle speed.

Once the pump is activated, it should prime and pump oil within seconds. If not, find out if there is a rhythm between the tank and the pump inlet, and if there are any air leaks in the inlet pipe and connection. Also determine if trapped air can be expelled from the outlet.

Run the engine at idle speed for about 5 minutes, and then operate the appliance while observing the fuel tank level. Extend all actuators to the maximum safe limit to fully prime the system. It cannot run when the liquid level is lower than the off-line, and it is necessary to refuel the fuel tank to make the oil reach the correct oil filling level.