Flojet setup questions....

[spf8298]

A little background before I present my question....My brother-in-law and I recently purchased a 3 bay self serve with 1 IBA in our hometown of 2300 people. The mechanicals are pretty much original equipment that has been maintained since the wash was built in 1992. We both have full time jobs in addition to watching the carwash, but we do have a part time attendant that keeps things running for us. We've also been making necessary repairs and updates as $ has allowed.

We have two flojet pumps that push chemicals in our self serves. The one g57 pumps presoak, soap, and foam brush. The other pumps wax. We've been having some issues with the g57 locking up and not pumping. When it does lockup, we simply back off the air supply and reset the regulator on the compressor and that seems to fix the problem. One thing that concerns me is that our air supply is not properly conditioned and this is causing the lockup issues. We've been researching the possibility of putting in an air dryer or two stage filter to combat the problem. We've also been trying to drain the tank on the compressor regularly.

One question I have for you experienced owners is if it's normal to have one g57 flojet running presoak, soap, and foam brush? When the self serves are really busy, could this cause the flojet to lock up? Attached are a couple pics of our flojets. Any assistance or advice would be appreciated.

 

[MEP001]

The pump just needs to be replaced. It will get worse until it will no longer start pumping again. IMO the air doesn't need to be conditioned, it just needs to be as free of water and oil (especially oil) as possible. Have an oil/water separator as close to the compressor as possible, easily accessible so you can drain it every day, and have a vertical run of pipe somewhere after that with a tee and valve at the bottom to catch anything the separator doesn't get.

The one G57 pump running presoak, soap and foam brush isn't a usual thing, but the pump isn't being overloaded at all. It would just pump like crazy and not maintain pressure if it was.

 

[Earl Weiss]

I don't know how it can possibly work to have one pump for 3 products if the bay users choose different products at the same time.

 

[spf8298]

I don't know how it can possibly work to have one pump for 3 products if the bay users choose different products at the same time.

Earl,

I think how the previous owners had it set up is that the presoak, soap, and foam brush are all generated off the same product. I'm not real fond of the set up.

 

[Earl Weiss]

Earl,

I think how the previous owners had it set up is that the presoak, soap, and foam brush are all generated off the same product. I'm not real fond of the set up.

Well, Not a horrible idea, but different scents enforces peoples perception that they are getting something different.

 

[cwguy.com]

We've also been trying to drain the tank on the compressor regularly.

Is the compressor full when you drain it?

Your 2 flojet pumps are mounted over all that electrical equipment, plugs and cords. One small problem and you could blow that circuit and/or equipment.

 

[kentadel]

I would purchase new flojets and plumb 1 for each chemical. If you drain the air compressor daily they will last for years and you will always have other functions in the bays working if one would fail.

 

[MEP001]

It's not as simple as adding a FloJet for each chemical - he'd also have to add a mix tank for each one.

Draining the compressor tank doesn't have much affect on water getting through the air lines.

 

[kentadel]

It's not as simple as adding a FloJet for each chemical - he'd also have to add a mix tank for each one.

Draining the compressor tank doesn't have much affect on water getting through the air lines.

I realize that he would need to add a hydro-minder and a tank or bucket with a Flojet. Draining the air compressor regularly, along with having an air filter/dryer will help prolong the life of the Flojets. I was just suggesting what I would do, especially if I had just purchased the wash. I would want the ability to give the customers different chemicals for each selection.

 

[Randy]

I very seldom drain my air compressor, maybe once a month or so, when I do I only get about a quart of water out of the tank, no air filters/dryers on the air system and we never have any problems with my Flojet pumps, they last a long time. I’d replace the Flojet pump on the Tire cleaner, Presoak system with a Procon pump for more pressure and be done with it.

 

[kentadel]

We are too humid here, lots of automatic cycle air drains on compressors.
Good luck with your new business! I have been by your wash a few times in my travels. You will do well!

 

[cwguy.com]

I live in Alabama.... I also should have thought of this excuse when Mep1 was making fun of me about my flojets.

I would check kentadel to make sure if you are not draining chemical out of your compressor tank. You really should not have to drain it constantly.... I do not have an auto drain?

I believe my problems were check values.... maybe yours also? And the op?

 

[kentadel]

I have them on other compressors, not just in the car wash.

 

[spf8298]

We are too humid here, lots of automatic cycle air drains on compressors.
Good luck with your new business! I have been by your wash a few times in my travels. You will do well!

Thanks Sir! We're trying to make improvements as $$ allows. This forum has definitely provided me with some great info.

Shaun