BLACKMER LDF1A, Installation, Operation And Maintenance Instructions

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INSTALLATION 

CHECK VALVES 

The use of check valves or foot valves in the supply tank is 
not recommended with self-priming, positive displacement 
pumps.  

If the possibility of liquid backflow exists when the pump is off, 
a check valve in the pump discharge piping is recommended 
because the pump can motor in the reverse rotation and 
create undue stress on all attached components.  Never start 
a pump when it is rotating in the reverse rotation as the added 
starting torque can damage the pump and related equipment. 

PUMP MOUNTING 

A solid foundation reduces noise and vibration, and will 
improve pump performance. On permanent installations it is 
recommended the pumping unit be secured by anchor bolts 
as shown in Figure 4. This arrangement allows for slight 
shifting of position to accommodate alignment with the 
mounting holes in the base plate. 

For new foundations, it is suggested that the anchor bolts be 
set in concrete. When pumps are to be located on existing 
concrete floors, holes should be drilled into the concrete to 
hold the anchor bolts. 

When installing units built on channel or structural steel type 
bases, use care to avoid twisting the base out of shape when 
anchor bolts are tightened. Shims should be used under the 
edges of the base prior to tightening of the anchor bolts to 
prevent distortion. 
 

BOLT

BASE

STANDARD

PIPE

WASHER

Figure 4 – Pipe Type Anchor Bolt 

COUPLING ALIGNMENT 

The pump must be directly coupled to a gear reducer and/or 
driver with a flexible coupling.  Both angular and parallel 
coupling alignment MUST be maintained between the pump, 
gear, motor, etc. in accordance with manufacturer’s 
instructions.  See Figure 5. 

1.  Parallel alignment:  The use of a laser alignment tool or 

dial indicator is preferred.  If a laser alignment tool or dial 
indicator is not available, use a straightedge.  Turn both 
shafts by hand, checking the reading through one 
complete revolution.  Maximum offset should be less 
than .005" (0.127 mm). 

2.  Angular alignment:  Insert a feeler gauge between the 

coupling halves.  Check the spacing at 90° increments 
around the coupling (four checkpoints).  Maximum 
variation should not exceed 0.005" (0.127 mm).  Some 
laser alignment tools will check angular alignment as 
well. 

3.  Replace the coupling guards after setting alignment. 

Figure 5 – Coupling Alignment 

Do not operate 

without guard 

in place 

OPERATION WITHOUT GUARDS IN 
PLACE CAN CAUSE SERIOUS 
PERSONAL INJURY, MAJOR 
PROPERTY DAMAGE, OR DEATH. 

PUMP ROTATION 

NOTICE: 

CONFIRM CORRECT PUMP ROTATION BY CHECKING 
THE PUMP ROTATION ARROWS AND FLOW DIRECTION 
RESPECTIVE TO PIPING FLOW DIRECTION.  DO NOT 
OPERATE THE PUMP IN REVERSE ROTATION TO 
REVERSE THE DIRECTION OF FLOW. 

1.  Determine direction of flow where the pump will be 

installed. 

2.  Confirm pump is installed in piping so that the flow will 

pass through the pump from inlet to outlet.  The inlet of 
the pump has “INLET” cast in the cylinder and the outlet 
for the LDF Model pump is through the ¾” NPT port on 
the top of the cylinder. 

3.  Briefly “jog” pump with pump driver. Check rotation of 

pump driver with respect to rotation arrow on pump. 

4.  If rotation of the driver and pump do not match the pump 

rotation arrows, the pump driver must be reversed.