Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: KINGAKNAA on April 07, 2013, 10:07:31 am

Title: Ws18 backpack problem
Post by: KINGAKNAA on April 07, 2013, 10:07:31 am
I've had the ws18 John Hewitt backpack since December, not had a problem. Yesterday while working at good flow rate it just stopped completely mid-flow? Changed the battery just in case, but still nothing. Fuse and switch ok. Not sure why it would just stop? Any ideas anyone?

I contacted John Hewitt yesterday but had no response up till now.

Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Ws18 backpack problem
Post by: Wc Solutions on April 07, 2013, 10:14:12 am
Maybe the charger isn't working so its flat, of course you've checked all the connections etc right?
Title: Re: Ws18 backpack problem
Post by: KINGAKNAA on April 07, 2013, 10:17:57 am
All connections checked ok and batteries are good. I have 2 spares fully charged. As I said it just stopped mid flow. When the battery needs charged the flow rate slows right down, it was full flow and just stopped.

Thanks
Title: Re: Ws18 backpack problem
Post by: Ronnie Bryce on April 07, 2013, 11:30:19 am
Connect the pump directly to a battery with wires, if it pump's, the fault is probably a simple connection loose, if it don't, the pump has a fault.
Title: Re: Ws18 backpack problem
Post by: windiewasher on April 07, 2013, 11:32:59 am
All connections checked ok and batteries are good. I have 2 spares fully charged. As I said it just stopped mid flow. When the battery needs charged the flow rate slows right down, it was full flow and just stopped.

Thanks
If your using aqua dapter hose you have a kink.
Title: Re: Ws18 backpack problem
Post by: richard jagger on April 07, 2013, 11:44:10 am
If it was the battery the pump would not stop mid stream it would reduce flow until it stopped but you would not be able to rinse with low flow rate. This sound like a lose wire if it has a flow controller it could be that. Back packs are prone to loose wiring.
Title: Re: Ws18 backpack problem
Post by: KINGAKNAA on April 07, 2013, 11:51:45 am
No aquadapter. Yes smithy, that's what happens normally. I had a good flow and just suddenly stopped. The backpack wasn't being moved and I've checked connections. All fine. No flow controller.
Title: Re: Ws18 backpack problem
Post by: richard jagger on April 07, 2013, 12:07:31 pm
Switch on the backpack and fiddle with all the wiring to see if any are loose. Try making two loose wires to connect between the pump nad battery.  If you have a controller by pass it and check if it works.I used a pack for many years and eventually soldered all the wires to avoid loose connections.I lost a big job one day with my back pack just stopped before and someone else can along and done the job.I thought I will never loose a job again due to this problem.
Title: Re: Ws18 backpack problem
Post by: KINGAKNAA on April 07, 2013, 12:29:42 pm
Done. Connected two wires direct from good battery to spade connectors on top of pump, nothing! I've had backpacks before so know a bit about wiring etc but this one is stumping me. Could the pump be seized? It's only 4 months old though so wouldn't have thought it would be that?
Title: Re: Ws18 backpack problem
Post by: jk999 on April 07, 2013, 12:41:47 pm
only two things wrong with that back pack its either the switch or pressure switch . they are made in china I have had well over half a dozen off them in space off two years they only seem to last about three months and it was to much hassle fixing them it was  easier to buy a new one got fed up off buying them in end bought a pure freedom best trolly I have owned In thirteen years of pole work
Title: Re: Ws18 backpack problem
Post by: simonr on April 07, 2013, 12:53:48 pm
i woudn't rely on john hewitt getting back to you.  his backpacks are great but customer service is worse than brodex was
Title: Re: Ws18 backpack problem
Post by: windiewasher on April 07, 2013, 01:38:15 pm
i woudn't rely on john hewitt getting back to you.  his backpacks are great but customer service is worse than brodex was
Agree +1 he doesnt reply to emails or try and help you.
Title: Re: Ws18 backpack problem
Post by: Stephen Fox on April 07, 2013, 01:47:39 pm
Is there a fuse in there somewhere?
Title: Re: Ws18 backpack problem
Post by: KINGAKNAA on April 07, 2013, 02:06:59 pm
Fuse is fine. Doesn't sound good about his customer service? Will give him a chance to reply. I've only had it 4 months so still under warranty!

I was thinking pressure switch. Not much more it could be I guess.

Thanks all.
Title: Re: Ws18 backpack problem
Post by: Michael Peterson on April 07, 2013, 03:38:49 pm
if you need a backpack pump i can give you one, i have a spare in felton mate
Title: Re: Ws18 backpack problem
Post by: KINGAKNAA on April 07, 2013, 06:15:24 pm
Cheers mate, might take you up on that. What do you want for it Michael?
Title: Re: Ws18 backpack problem
Post by: Michael Peterson on April 07, 2013, 06:19:14 pm
nothing mate, just tell me when you want it and ill get it out for ya , gone through a fair few backpacks myself but never seem to have a pump problem :-)
Title: Re: Ws18 backpack problem
Post by: Richard60 on April 07, 2013, 07:02:38 pm
only once pump went on mine .wcw bp .but it was making a noise .so i new what it was wen it packed in .have the john hewetts got a silver controller like the wcw backpack .by on ,off switch because these are prone too water .which knacker them up n they just cut out .but they can be easily by passed .
Title: Re: Ws18 backpack problem
Post by: jk999 on April 07, 2013, 09:09:46 pm
Fuse is fine. Doesn't sound good about his customer service? Will give him a chance to reply. I've only had it 4 months so still under warranty!

I was thinking pressure switch. Not much more it could be I guess.

Thanks all.
good look with your warranty mate every time I took something back he tried to say I broke it thats why I went somewhere else
Title: Re: Ws18 backpack problem
Post by: KINGAKNAA on April 08, 2013, 10:27:19 am
Thanks for the offer Michael. Hopefuly i may not need it. Been corresponding with John Hewitt and ruled it a few things but now have diagnosed the problem.

From john:

"Probably the over pressure switch. You can confirm this by taking the cap of the end of the pump (square cap about an inch square. Take the two wires off the spades and hold them together. If the pump runs now it is that."

Bingo, it runs when the pressure switch is bypassed. John has been very helpful. See what transpires now we have diagnosed the problem.
Title: Re: Ws18 backpack problem
Post by: KINGAKNAA on April 08, 2013, 01:16:56 pm
Hopefully sorted. John sending a new pump.  ;) good customer service.