Hi All,

I have a new Hydro Tek SC34005K that has 3.9 hours on it. The burner has been used less than 2 hours.

Whenever I use the burner (both times) the machine gets covered with a light coating of Soot. Also, when I shut the burner off, thick black smoke pours out the exhaust for 1 - 2 minutes (almost looks like there's a fire).

I talked to the distributor about this and he casually dismissed it saying, "that's normal". I'm not a mechanic but, this does not seem right to me. My owner's manual says that the fuel/air ratio could need to be adjusted.

Am I worried about nothing or should I go back and tell the distributor that there's a problem that he needs to address?

Also, the first time I took the rig on the road (36 mile trip), the burner wouldn’t fire when I went to use it. After some checking, I found that the top of the burner had come apart and flipped open. I closed it, tightened the bolt that holds it closed, and it fired right up (it smoked when it fired, which I hadn't noticed before, but I figured that it was because I tried to fire it a few times before I realized the top was off).

I sure would appreciate any thoughts on this.

Thanks,
Paul

Sounds like you know more about maintence than your supplier. Black smoke is not normal, indicating a problem. If you keep operating the PW like this, you will have more problems such as excessive soot build=up. I would suggest you go back to where you bought the machine, and ask them where they want their PW. Talk to the owner. If this is the attitude of the company, aren't you glad you found out now, and not later. If you do keep the machine, start looking for someone else to service your equiopment. I use a local furnace repair shop.

Douglas Hicks
General Fire Equipment Co of Eastern Oregon, Inc

Paul,

The soot and black smoke IS NOT NORMAL!

Possible causes engine RPM too slow. (If generator is not turning at 3600 RPM
it will not put out proper voltage) low voltage will result in slow turning burner
motor / poor combustion smoke soot etc. Not to mention will eventually burn up
electrical components burner motors, transformers, solenoids, generator etc.

Air bands not allowing enough air in to burner. Open air bands more.

If your supplier will not correct the problem give me a call, I will walk you through
a few tests, and we will get you back in business in no time.

Pressure Washer Sales & Service Specialists
Since 1979
A Sponsor of PowerWashNetwork since 2000
www.EasyCleanSystems.com
www.PressureWasherZone.com
www.PowerWashDirect.com
Mark McIntyre 800-292-EASY 916-638-0828
E-mail Mark Click Here

First the SC series is a 115 volt generator equipped pressure washer. Therefore like any other engine powered unit it MUST be run at WIDE OPEN THROTTLE at all times to get the performance you expect. If you need to lower the pressure use larger tips, DO NOT idle the engine down! This applies to 12 Volt systems as well.

Second Hydrotek allows as normal and acceptable a smoke test of up to 3 which is really quite green and represents a lot of incomplete combustion; IMHO. This indicates unburnt fuel which will also mean higher CO and other combustion byproducts like soot.

Third if the unit is burning black you have either a pinch in the coil or the air band needs to opened more on the Wayne burner. Black smoke after shut-down indicates reduced air flow. Also look for a loose piece of insulation that may be obstructing the air flow.

On the Wayne burners there is only one adjustment for the air band and I would suggest you take it to another dealer that actually knows how to set up a burner to light, run and shutdown clean. If you wish to try it yourself open the band 1/4" at a time and give at least 5 minutes for the setting to take effect.

If you need the name of another dealer near you who should be able to help then feel free to contact me.

I'm dropping the trailer off at the distributors place tomorrow.

Thanks to all three of you guys for responding, don't be surprised if I take you up on the offer to call!

I'll post how things turn out.

Paul

Paul,

Hope you got that burner squared away.

Pressure Washer Sales & Service Specialists
Since 1979
A Sponsor of PowerWashNetwork since 2000
www.EasyCleanSystems.com
www.PressureWasherZone.com
www.PowerWashDirect.com
Mark McIntyre 800-292-EASY 916-638-0828
E-mail Mark Click Here

Hi Mark,

Thanks for asking!

The distributor was able to look at it today. As luck would have it, it didn't do any unusual smoking when we fired up the burner.

It gave up a little puff of gray smoke when it started and a little more when it shut down. The distributor and his tech. both assure me that this is normal for this machine.

I'm glad it didn't smoke like it was on fire but, I have to admit, I don't know why it did it last week.

Paul

Paul,

Glad you do not have a major problem. Remember keep the RPM
up there and if you want to vary pressure use a bigger nozzle, or a variable pressure lance / dual wand.

Pressure Washer Sales & Service Specialists
Since 1979
A Sponsor of PowerWashNetwork since 2000
www.EasyCleanSystems.com
www.PressureWasherZone.com
www.PowerWashDirect.com
Mark McIntyre 800-292-EASY 916-638-0828
E-mail Mark Click Here

Paul,

If it still smokes.
There could be a problem with the transformer lid. If it was open while you were driving one of the hinges could have bent, if it does not sit flat on the burner housing necessary air flow could be escaping from it.
The RPM of the engine is factory set at about 3230rpm based on the generator output of 60 HZ or a voltage range of 110v - 115v under load. The smoke output of the burner system is set at #1 or #2 on the bacerrac smoke gauge.



Ryan