TL;DR

Seal leaks are most often caused by dry running or shaft misalignment. Confirm the seal flush is active before start and measure shaft runout before fitting a new seal.

What you might see

liquid weeping or dripping at seal area
wet staining on the pump pedestal
loss of barrier fluid level in dual-seal system
seal flush line running hotter than normal

Likely causes

Tap to mark as ruled out

Dry running: seal faces ran without lubrication, typically from lost prime or interrupted flush flow
Shaft misalignment deflecting the rotating face out of contact with the stationary seat
Incorrect seal flush plan for the process fluid, causing coking, crystallization, or vapor flashing at the faces
Seal faces contaminated by abrasive particles in the process stream

Required tools

Dial indicator with magnetic base
Seal cartridge wrench and setting tool
Torque wrench
LOTO kit
Replacement cartridge seal (Goulds part number for 3196 frame)

Safety first

Lock out the driver and depressurize the casing before removing the seal gland.
If the process fluid is toxic, corrosive, or above 60 degC, use appropriate chemical-resistant PPE and face shield.
Never run the pump dry to test the new seal. Confirm flush flow first.

Procedure

8 steps · ~90 min

1
Lock out the pump driver. Isolate the suction and discharge valves and drain the stuffing box pressure.
2
Verify the seal flush line is connected and flowing before removing the old seal. A blocked flush often caused the failure.
3
Remove the seal gland and cartridge per the Goulds 3196 i-FRAME overhaul procedure.[1]
4
Inspect the failed seal faces. Chipped or blistered faces indicate dry running. Grooved faces indicate abrasive contamination.
5
Measure shaft runout at the seal drive collar with a dial indicator. Runout above 0.002 inches TIR will prematurely destroy a replacement seal.[1]
6
Correct any runout before installing the new seal. Check coupling alignment and bearing condition.
7
Install the replacement cartridge seal. Follow the Goulds setting dimension from the i-FRAME nameplate on the stuffing box.
8
Re-commission the seal flush at the correct flow rate before starting the pump.

Sources

Goulds 3196 i-FRAME Process Pump Installation, Operation & Maintenance Manual, Goulds Pumps (ITT)
Goulds 3196 i-FRAME IOM, mechanical seal installation and setting dimension procedures (general)
View source

More guides for Goulds Pumps 3196

How to stop cavitation noise on a Goulds 3196 centrifugal pump

Cavitation is almost always low NPSH. Check the suction line for restrictions or air ingress, lower the pump speed, or raise the liquid level in the suction vessel.

~30 min7 steps

How to diagnose excessive power draw on a Goulds 3196 pump

High power draw is usually excess flow (system resistance dropped), higher liquid density than design, or internal binding. Measure amps and head to locate the cause.

~45 min8 steps

How to diagnose low flow rate and pressure fluctuation on a Goulds 3196 pump

Low flow with reduced head points to a worn or trimmed impeller or internal recirculation. Measure differential head and compare to the rated curve to confirm.

~60 min8 steps

How to fix a Goulds 3196 pump overheating at low or shutoff flow

Running below minimum continuous stable flow converts pump work into heat. Install or open a minimum-flow recirculation bypass to protect the pump.