Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: stevieg on July 16, 2017, 11:09:51 am

Title: Pump losing effectiveness?
Post by: stevieg on July 16, 2017, 11:09:51 am
As above my 100psi shurflo pump is not pushing out the flow rate that i like.
I do not use a controller(straight off the battery) and over time the flow has reduced.
I was told that these pumps either work well or just stop so am intrigued to know from anyone if there is something  that can be done to improve this. In the past when it has stopped working i have replaced the bushes,but in that instance it stopped completely.
Title: Re: Pump losing effectiveness?
Post by: chris turner on July 16, 2017, 11:19:32 am
 9 times out of 10 it's due to low battery voltage.
When my battery hits 12 volts there is a clear drop in water pressure from the pump.
Bench charge of battery with a quality charger resolves it.
I use a split charge relay so only need to bench charge once or twice a year.
Title: Re: Pump losing effectiveness?
Post by: The Jester of Wibbly on July 16, 2017, 11:26:48 am
I would suggest investing in a controller.  It will save wear on pumps making them last for many years. It will reduce wear on your hoses and fittings.   It will pay for itself just in water savings.
Title: Re: Pump losing effectiveness?
Post by: stevieg on July 16, 2017, 11:30:49 am
Hi,  I also use a split charger on one battery and a solar panel on the other so am not sure if it is the battery as i have tried the pump with the battery fully bench charged!
Title: Re: Pump losing effectiveness?
Post by: chris turner on July 16, 2017, 11:35:40 am
Hi,  I also use a split charger on one battery and a solar panel on the other so am not sure if it is the battery as i have tried the pump with the battery fully bench charged!

How old is the battery? Have you tested it when fully charged?
Title: Re: Pump losing effectiveness?
Post by: stevieg on July 16, 2017, 11:37:06 am
Yep!!!
Title: Re: Pump losing effectiveness?
Post by: chris turner on July 16, 2017, 12:09:53 pm
Have your tried calibrating the pump?
As you don't have a flow controller you have to do this manually.
Warm weather makes your hose more elastic so more pressure is needed. Even older warn hose means you may have to recalibrate. I do mine every summer and winter when I notice the dead end taking longer to kick in.
Title: Re: Pump losing effectiveness?
Post by: andyM on July 16, 2017, 12:37:38 pm
If you have a strainer unscrew it and give it a clean.
Other things worth investigating are inferior electrical connections or that one or more of the battery cells are damaged (best checked with a multimeter).
Title: Re: Pump losing effectiveness?
Post by: ֍Winp®oClean֍ on July 16, 2017, 12:54:02 pm
As above.... dirty strainer is my bet.