Question:
What have you used for vacuum pump oil? I have been running NVE pumps on my trucks since 2002. I have used manufacturer-recommended pump oil and have not had to change the vanes yet. The pump is still producing quick and full vacuum. I talk to and hear that some pumpers use the same oil they run in the diesel engines. Some say 10W-30; some say synthetic; some say whatever is on sale. I have a Conde pump on a tank used for portable sanitation and was told to run a certain type of oil.
Answers:
I bought a Jurop PN Series 5800 pump in 1988. I use NAPA 30-weight non-detergent motor oil. I have never done anything to this pump in 21 years. Works great to this day.
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I would recommend 30-weight non-detergent oil in summer and 10-weight non-detergent oil in weather below freezing. This combination seems to work really well. Scented additives can cause problems like plugging lines and don’t properly lubricate bearings.
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I have a 1989 Jurop R200 and run 30-weight oil. It’s still working every day and I’ve only replaced the vanes once. I’m a believer in using 20-weight oil in winter and 30-weight oil in the summer.
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I’ve run a Masport pump at least 12 years and use Chevron GST 68 turbine oil. I’ve never turned a bolt on the pump and have never run diesel fuel through it.
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I’ve always used 68-grade hydraulic oil. It’s constant viscosity. I’ve never used multigrade, for instance 10W-30, as it thickens as it gets hot. I’ve used the same pumps for eight years.
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I run a Wittig pump, and I use the oil recommended by Wittig — regular, non-detergent 30-weight motor oil in the winter, 40-weight in the summer.
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I would have to say that what people use in winter for oil is a direct map of where people live. If we try 30-weight in winter in northern Wisconsin, it will flow like tar at 10 degrees F below zero. So keep the outside temperature in mind when choosing oil.
Is Pumping Woman’s Work?
Question:
I know pumping work is usually performed by men, but my husband got hurt so I took over for a while (actually it will be about a year pretty soon). I am curious to know if there are any women out there who do this work full time. Pull the hoses, pump, drive, etc.
Answers:
I sold a man a rig several years ago and last year he passed away. His wife had no other choice but take up where he left off. She is doing just fine and enjoys it. Another lady in my area lost her job at a bank and went into pumping. Everyone thought that she didn’t stand a chance (including myself). But I told her that if she ran into trouble and needed me, I’d help her any way I could. She has done very well and has only had to call me for help a few times. If you enjoy it, by all means don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it.
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I have one female pumper and she is the best employee you could ask for. She’s happy, great with customers. Whenever she enters a jobsite, the men go out of their way to help her. When she turns up it’s as if the seas have parted and there is a clear run right to the tanks. If she gets a flat, there are 10 guys fighting to help change the tire. She loves the job and the attention she gets from the work sites she visits. I would have three more of her.
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A concern in hiring a woman would be a strength issue. In my area the lids can be up to 150 pounds, with some having no lifting handle. My guys have to pull those lids from holes 2-3 feet deep. My other concern is that a male homeowner will go out of his way to help a female with a heavy object. If that person hurts himself, you can bet they will sue you. My customers always offer to help, but my policy is to refuse the offer.
