What common issue can lead to overheating in centrifugal pumps?

Overheating in centrifugal pumps can occur when the pump packing is too tight. Proper pump packing serves to seal the shaft while allowing for a minimal amount of leakage necessary for lubrication and cooling. When it is packed too tightly, it causes excessive friction and heat generation at the shaft, which leads to overheating. This situation not only impacts the pump's efficiency but can also cause significant damage to the pump components over time, leading to potential failures.

While other factors such as back pressure, flow rates, and clogged filters can affect pump performance, they do not directly cause the overheating in the same manner as tight packing does. Monitoring and maintaining proper packing tightness are crucial for ensuring the longevity and effective operation of centrifugal pumps.