Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Paul H on December 17, 2013, 05:19:12 pm

Title: Pump problem - any ideas
Post by: Paul H on December 17, 2013, 05:19:12 pm
Using my pure freedom trolley as a van mount 

The trolley is sited locked in secure on too of my 400 ltr flat tank

Recently just started having problems with flow rate , air locks, and everything else pump associated really .. Once you get it flowing its fine in the main then it maybe start spitting a bit then work fine again . If I turn everything off then move to the next job the whole process begins again .. Battery is fine charges fine etc...

Is this cos it's on top of my tank and has problems drawing the water in ?

If I take the sysytem out and the Ayer flow is down into the pump then it works ...

I'm looking to get one of those pump / flow controllers that are mounted on a plate in the new year and site this as low as possible to the water outket in the tank ..

But wondering if any one has ideas on my problem

Plus have 3 days graft left this week before I have 2 weeks off so hoping to see the week out !!! But it's jacking me right off now the whole lots going to get kicked all over soon !
Title: Re: Pump problem - any ideas
Post by: robert mitchell on December 17, 2013, 05:28:56 pm
does it have a strainer ? - check if its blocked.

I had the same problem with my pump after grippa did an one off install for me , turned out to be swarf from drilling the tank for level switch had got into the pump diaphragm, pretty easy job to strip it down and clean the swarf out and now works perfectly.

The pump should self prime even if its above the tank .
Title: Re: Pump problem - any ideas
Post by: Paul H on December 17, 2013, 05:37:44 pm
does it have a strainer ? - check if its blocked.

I had the same problem with my pump after grippa did an one off install for me , turned out to be swarf from drilling the tank for level switch had got into the pump diaphragm, pretty easy job to strip it down and clean the swarf out and now works perfectly.

The pump should self prime even if its above the tank .

Brother in law had a  quick strip down seemed fine .. Worked after that ... Then started again.. ??? ???

Are saying check the in line filter I have on the hose ?
Title: Re: Pump problem - any ideas
Post by: robert mitchell on December 17, 2013, 05:43:30 pm
its worth checking the strainer that should be on the pipe between tank and pump to see if its blocked or if the gauze is broken /dislodged.

diaphragm could also be damaged .

what make is the pump?

it could be that being a pump for a trolley that its not self priming .
Title: Re: Pump problem - any ideas
Post by: keyser soze on December 17, 2013, 05:47:44 pm
put a picture up of your trolley mate.. might be pump is too high imo
Title: Re: Pump problem - any ideas
Post by: robert mitchell on December 17, 2013, 05:55:07 pm
according the pure freedom website it should have a 100 psi shurflo pump , if it has it should still prime even above the tank .

it may be that older trolleys had a different pump though .

the shuffle can lift water upto 12 feet if its in good working order.
Title: Re: Pump problem - any ideas
Post by: Paul H on December 17, 2013, 06:05:31 pm
put a picture up of your trolley mate.. might be pump is too high imo

Standard size 400 ltr flat tank .. Can't get pics up ..

It's a shuffle pump too

I've stripped the strainer down too ..

Battery charging up now I'll see again in the morning I guess ..

Just seems to need a bit help in drawing the water in .. When it gets going it still seems the flo is bitty!
Title: Re: Pump problem - any ideas
Post by: Ian Sheppard on December 17, 2013, 06:20:33 pm
From what you are saying it does sound if air is getting in there. Have a look at your connectors as well. If all the fliters are clear and the diaphragm is ok. It may also be worth seeing if the issue clears after the battery has a full charge. May be worth having a quick look at the wiring between the pump and battery if you can check for any loose connections or damaged wire.
These could create volt drop meaning the pump can not get all the power it needs.
Title: Re: Pump problem - any ideas
Post by: Paul H on December 17, 2013, 06:27:02 pm
From what you are saying it does sound if air is getting in there. Have a look at your connectors as well. If all the fliters are clear and the diaphragm is ok. It may also be worth seeing if the issue clears after the battery has a full charge. May be worth having a quick look at the wiring between the pump and battery if you can check for any loose connections or damaged wire.
These could create volt drop meaning the pump can not get all the power it needs.


Wiring seems fine .. If it was that would affect it when I take the sysytem out the van for which it seems to work better..

I do agree on the air bit tho


Title: Re: Pump problem - any ideas
Post by: lee_dewing on December 18, 2013, 01:45:34 am
connectors maybe.

I use to use freedom trolley as a trolley not van mount and connector on freedom trolley use to give airlocks use to put finger into female connector to get air out and water going ::)roll

I maybe wrong but as others said look at your connectors.
Title: Re: Pump problem - any ideas
Post by: Mist A Bit on December 18, 2013, 05:29:58 am
With water sloishing around in a lay flat tank the outlet can get exposed so drawing in air. I personally always mount pumps as low as possible and fit a non return valve
Title: Re: Pump problem - any ideas
Post by: Paul H on December 18, 2013, 03:44:14 pm
connectors maybe.

I use to use freedom trolley as a trolley not van mount and connector on freedom trolley use to give airlocks use to put finger into female connector to get air out and water going ::)roll

I maybe wrong but as others said look at your connectors.

Sorted a few things out with pioe work and fittings yesterday and it's worked much better today ... but what you describe is exactly what I have to do with the female hose lock connector on outlet his length ..

No where near as annoying though compared to what I'd been having

So thanks all
Title: Re: Pump problem - any ideas
Post by: Paul H on December 18, 2013, 03:45:53 pm
With water sloishing around in a lay flat tank the outlet can get exposed so drawing in air. I personally always mount pumps as low as possible and fit a non return valve
.

This what I plan to do when I get one of those plate mounted pumps and controller

Thanks
Title: Re: Pump problem - any ideas
Post by: LWC on December 18, 2013, 06:16:40 pm
I was going to say pump should be as low as possible.