Oilers/Plant Tenders (HHC) Civil Service Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the Oilers/Plant Tenders Exam with our comprehensive quiz. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations to excel in your civil service test. Start your preparation now!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What indicates successful packing installation and gland adjustment on a reciprocating pump?

  1. The shaft can move freely by hand

  2. The pump operates louder

  3. The pump vibrations increase

  4. The packing is expanded

The correct answer is: The shaft can move freely by hand

Successful packing installation and gland adjustment on a reciprocating pump are indicated by the ability to move the shaft freely by hand. This suggests that the packing is neither too loose nor too tight. Proper gland adjustment ensures that the packing seals against the shaft adequately while allowing for smooth rotation without excessive friction, which is critical for the efficient operation of the pump. When the packing is functioning correctly, it maintains a balance where leakage is minimal without obstructing the shaft's movement. If the shaft cannot be moved freely, it may indicate that the packing is either too tight, leading to potential wear on the shaft, or that it is not functioning as intended. Therefore, the ability to move the shaft by hand is a clear sign of an effectively installed and adjusted packing system. The other options present scenarios that would suggest issues rather than success. If the pump operates louder, it may indicate problems such as misalignment or excessive friction, which are undesirable. Increased vibrations typically signal a problem with the pump’s operation or installation, suggesting imbalance or misalignment, while expanded packing indicates potential issues in the packing itself or servicing needs.