new setup questions - Power Wash Network "The Power Wash Contractors Forum"

CCPC · #1 (**permalink**) 07-15-05

Finally got my new PW hooked up yesterday and broke it in today. However, I may have a few problems. The reason I say may, is because with my new setup, of which I'm drawing from a reserve tank, I'm a little uncertain if the differences I'm experiencing are normal or if I'm worried about nothing.

The equipment/plumbing:

5.5 gpm 3500 psi PW pulling from a 20g back up water tank
2' of 3/4" ID hose from tank to PW
General Pump Pulasar pressure unloader (EZ)

First question:
I think I may be experiencing some very rapid, almost undetectable pulsing when spraying the wand. Its very fast and mostly noticable when spraying the wand directly at concrete or another hard surface. What could be causing this? Or is this normal?
Second question:
The pump seems to be getting very hot. I'm not sure if its just me noticing it out of worry becasue of the new machine and plumbing or if its building much more heat than it should. I never really paid much attention to how hot the pump was on my other machine so I nothing to judge it buy. Also this pump is a bit bigger than the other, don't know if that makes a difference.
Third question:
With my old machine (4gpm) I didn't use a back up water tank, I ran straight from the spigot. I would always turn the water on let the water pressure flow through the line for a minute than start it up. With the new set up (water source coming from the 20g tank) There is no flow going through the pump and hose until I start the PW. The question is: if I fill the tank and there is a little air block in the hose between the tank and the washer (no flow going into pump) is this normal? and when I start the machine will that second or two of no water in pump damage the pump?

Mark · #2 (**permalink**) 07-16-05

The pulsation you feel could be several things,
normally you can not feel the pulsation of
a triplex pump, (Alkota and All American use
pulsation dampeners on their 5 GPM and up
units.) can you see a fluctuation in pressure
with a gauge? If not I would not be concerned,
if you do check your inlet line for restrictions or
air leaks.

As far as the pump getting hot? It may be normal,
what is the temperature of the crankcase?
Can you leave your hand on the pump while
running or is it too hot for that?

Sounds like your pump is pulling the water up
2' to your inlet? You could easily put a prime
valve on this unit, simply install a tee at your
tank inlet and run a 1/4" line from the tee to another
tee at your pump inlet. Open the valve to prime pump
before starting!

Hope this helps!

CCPC · #3 (**permalink**) 07-16-05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark

The pulsation you feel could be several things,
normally you can not feel the pulsation of
a triplex pump, (Alkota and All American use
pulsation dampeners on their 5 GPM and up
units.) can you see a fluctuation in pressure
with a gauge? If not I would not be concerned,
if you do check your inlet line for restrictions or
air leaks.

As far as the pump getting hot? It may be normal,
what is the temperature of the crankcase?
Can you leave your hand on the pump while
running or is it too hot for that?

Sounds like your pump is pulling the water up
2' to your inlet? You could easily put a prime
valve on this unit, simply install a tee at your
tank inlet and run a 1/4" line from the tee to another
tee at your pump inlet. Open the valve to prime pump
before starting!

Hope this helps!

I did some messing around with it today and heres what I've come up with.

I ran the machine directly from the spigot to see if this changes anything. The rapid pulsing was not nearly as bad, it sprayed much smoother and with a bit more power. When I reconnected to the tank the rapid pulsing and vibration returned. I know its not an air problem because I checked all of the fittings and everything is tight and solid. Could this pulsing possibly be caused because of having such a small reserve tank, maybe not enough water weight pushing down to help force the water out of the hose.

The pump still became very hot after about 5 minutes of spraying whether I ran from the spigot or tank. I don't know if this makes any difference, but the brass part of the pump is not hot at all, its just the crank case part. I don't know if this is of any help for diagnosis.

Any more ideas or help?

Mark · #4 (**permalink**) 07-17-05

Check the check valves for debris.
I would have expected the pulsation
to go away when you force fed pump.

A 20# gallon float tank is more than sufficient.

A two foot long 3/4" supply hose should also
be sufficient. Check for obstructions in the line
is this a new hose?

CCPC · #5 (**permalink**) 07-17-05

where are the check valves?

Mark · #6 (**permalink**) 07-17-05

I was referring to the check valves in the pump,
if you are unfamiliar with them you would probably
be money ahead paying a Local Dealer to check
out your machine for you.

Here is a link to a pdf file showing a break down
of a model TS2021 General Pump.

http://www.generalpump.com/PDFs/TS2021-Pump.pdf

You might try a search on this BBS for Troubleshooting