Clean It Up

UK Floor Cleaning Forum => Carpet Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Carpet Dawg on February 24, 2010, 06:11:25 pm

Title: Pumptec Pump. Air Lock??
Post by: Carpet Dawg on February 24, 2010, 06:11:25 pm

Hey guys

got a newish machine. bought in november and done only 204 hours. the pump is 200psi and i use powered detergents. And i use a 2 jet wand.

anywho, i have been having some troubles recently with what seems to be an air lock! Once i have primed the pump again with the priming hose, after about 3 - 5 mins of wanding the pressure drops again :( from 200psi all the way down too 100psi when i press the trigger and when i realise the trigger it goes back to whatever psi i set it too.

Does the same thing with my uhpolstery tool and stair tool! (if set to 100 - 120ish psi it goes down to 50psi)

I have checked the filter in the solution tank to see if its clogged but its fine.

The pump does not make any funny noises nor is it leaking in anyway. And works great when it works for those 3 to 5 minutes  :-\

Anyone got any ideas?  ???

Cheers
Tony

Title: Re: Pumptec Pump. Air Lock??
Post by: Ken Wainwright on February 24, 2010, 06:37:34 pm

I can't answer your query Tony, but when you purge the pump, does air come out?

I purge my Pumptec with a male fitting direct into a measuring jug.

The metal in these pumps does tend to corrode with alkaline solutions, so it may be worn. I think the term may be cavitated? 

Undissolved powders can also cause problems. Try running very hot clear water through the pump for a minute to see what comes out.

Have you recently opened your machine up and perhaps kinked a supply hose? This is the problem area to explore first, after a hot water purge.

Safe and happy cleaning :)
The Ken

Title: Re: Pumptec Pump. Air Lock??
Post by: Carpet Dawg on February 25, 2010, 09:26:47 am

Thanks for getting back to me Ken :)

I will try the hot water method that you mentioned later on today. I have been into the machine a couple of times but not enough to create any damage i.e. didn't go in with any tools etc

Hopefully its something easy i can sort out myself without buying a new pump  :(

Thanks
Tony

Title: Re: Pumptec Pump. Air Lock??
Post by: Ken Wainwright on February 25, 2010, 09:51:58 am

You don't need tools Tony, to kink a hose. Just look carefully as you open up the case so you can see if there's a kink, and be very particular the way you route the hoses and close the case afterwards.

Safe and happy cleaning :)
The Ken

Title: Re: Pumptec Pump. Air Lock??
Post by: Carpet Dawg on February 28, 2010, 05:33:35 pm

Just wanted to say a big thanks to Ken! :) I tried the hot water method that you mentioned and it seems to have sorted the problem :) thank god lol

Did it the same day that you posted and been working great ever since.

Cheers again
Tony