Maintenance Matters Problem Solver 18 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk February/March 2026 Motor rewinders work to short lead times, and accurate component identification is a fundamental part of keeping repairs on schedule. A mis-specified seal or wrongly identified part can lead to repeat stripdowns, unnecessary downtime and avoidable cost. In a competitive repair sector, technical accuracy directly affects both service performance and customer confidence. Over the past two decades, the relationship between Newark Electric Motors (NEM) and Whisper Pumps has demonstrated how technical support, product knowledge and proximity can combine to strengthen repair capability and reduce risk. Motor rewinders are frequently presented with incomplete data. A pump arrives on the bench with a failed mechanical seal, yet documentation is missing or minimal. Identification must be fast, accurate and technically sound. In one recent case, NEM was tasked with sourcing a replacement Flygt mechanical seal. All that was available was the physical component itself and the knowledge that it had been used for dirty water pumping. The seal was an unusual size, constructed from uncommon materials, and there were no supporting records. Rather than risking an incorrect substitution, the seal was measured and analysed in detail. Cross-referencing against an internal spares database enabled the identification of a suitable third-party replacement. The result was a timely repair completed without delay, avoiding unnecessary downtime for the end user. For rewinders, this scenario is all too familiar, as pumps seldom fail at convenient times and customers rarely arrive with complete part numbers or service histories to hand. Technical partnerships that can bridge those gaps quickly are therefore invaluable. Incorrect material selection Not all problems stem from identification alone, in some cases, material selection is the root cause. NEM recently encountered a pump fitted with an SPX Flow mechanical seal that had been failing repeatedly. Investigation revealed that the elastomers and seal faces were not suited to the chemical being pumped. The result was a cycle of premature failures and mounting frustration for the customer. A detailed assessment of both the seal design and the operating conditions led to a revised specification: a silicon/silicon face combination with Viton elastomers better suited to the application. The outcome was a long-term solution that improved reliability and reduced the likelihood of future breakdowns. This example highlights a broader point, as mechanical seals operate in demanding environments subject to chemical exposure, pressure, temperature variation and vibration. Even minor mismatches in material compatibility can significantly shorten service life. For motor rewinders, understanding these subtleties can mean the difference between a repeat repair and a permanent fix. Responsiveness In the repair industry, responsiveness is often just as important as technical competence. NEM benefits from being able to drop damaged seals directly into a trade counter for immediate identification, keeping jobs moving without administrative delay. An in-house repair facility capable of supplying spares, carrying out refurbishments and completing complex repairs to manufacturer standards further reduces turnaround times. From initial phone support to full rebuilds, this integrated approach enables rewinders to operate with greater confidence. As equipment becomes more varied and applications more specialised, the demands placed on repair businesses will only increase. The ability to assess operating conditions, specify appropriate materials and source reliable replacements quickly is becoming a defining capability. Mechanical seals may be relatively small components, but their impact on pump reliability is significant. Inaccurate identification, unsuitable material selection or slow sourcing can quickly translate into extended downtime and reputational risk. For further information please visit: www.whisperpumps.com Seal identification and material solutions in motor rewinding
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