FloJet is "machine gunning" air out constantly...? help

[soonermajic]

I just replaced, unfortunately on Kleen Rite advice, my Santo FloJet w/ a Viton, & it is still "machine gunning" air out of the bottom. Makes my air compressor have to re-start often. I also noticed that my Tire Clean was spewing out of the top back elbow, coming off the manifold, but only when selected on bay 2.
Could this be air lock? If so, what do I do about it? Could it just be clogged up down the line, on bay 2?

Yes....stil working on this new install of my Used "The Ultimate" GinSan 3 bay pumpstand.....

 

[MEP001]

I've had better life from the Viton pumps on the aggressive chemicals like tire cleaner, but if you're having a problem like that it isn't going to be related to the type of seals in the pump.

What is this "top back elbow" on? I'm not familiar with GinSan equipment, but my first guess is that it has a N/O solenoid to relieve pressure off the manifold when nothing is selected and that solenoid could be stuck open. The FloJet should stop pumping when there is no flow to the bays even if there is no control to the air supplying it.

I've never heard of air lock on a FloJet. Do you have it mounted with the fittings on the bottom?

 

[soonermajic]

The "Elbow" is jus the elbow outlet, allowing flow of the Tire clean when the solenoid opens. The FloJet is mounted on the end, near the bottom of the pumpstand. The solenoids are all new, but I put them on a used 3-bay pumpstand, that I've been replacing....

 

[MEP001]

The "Elbow" is jus the elbow outlet, allowing flow of the Tire clean when the solenoid opens.

Which solenoid? The one to the bay? That would be a bad elbow fitting and has nothing to do with the pump.

The FloJet is mounted on the end, near the bottom of the pumpstand.

That doesn't answer whether it's mounted upright with the fittings on the bottom.

The solenoids are all new, but I put them on a used 3-bay pumpstand, that I've been replacing....

Does it have a control solenoid for the air to the FloJet?

 

[soonermajic]

MEPS, you're correct, it was a bad elbow (& we replaced it).
I'm not sure about fittings on the bottom. It looks to be outed upright, 3 of em side by side, on a FloJet bracket.
I have no clue, about a controlled solenoid, going to the FloJet.....? That "machine gunning" is driving me crazy! Also makes air compressor run all the time...

 

[Jeff_L]

Most likely your pump is running because there is either an opening on the downstream side (evident by spilling out of the wand or a hole), or the supply side isn't supplying (such as a source valve still turned off). The supply side must have fluid to it. For example, when I change out a flojet, I turn off the chemical supply side via a hand valve, replace the pump, and if I supply air to the pump before I turn the valve back on, the flojet will hammer. Hope this helps.

 

[MEP001]

Is there a solenoid valve inline between the tank and the FloJet inlet or does it draw straight from the tank?

Does the outlet from the FloJet go to the solenoids to the bay and nowhere else?

Is there a solenoid anywhere on the supply line to the FloJet?

 

[WikiWash]

I have noticed after a rebuild on a flojet changing the check valves diaphragms and the large O rings that there is a 50/50 chance that it will work. When it doesn't work it will machine gun on me. I think this happens because it doesn't properly seal sometimes when you put it back together. I have noticed that I have better success using a screwdriver during reassembly then short cutting with a screw gun. If I have a problem I will take it back apart check the direction of the check valves make sure everything is seated properly and together properly and sometimes it still doesn't work. At this point I figure something is wrong with the internals. So anymore I just use rebuild kits for emergencies if I don't have a new one on hand.

 

[WikiWash]

I would swap the flojet you are having a problem with one that is working to make sure that is your problem. Process of elimination, divide and conquer, check the obvious and easiest things first.

 

[MEP001]

It sounds like the pump is working, so that makes me believe there is something wrong in how it's hooked up.

 

[Kevin James]

I don’t understand what you mean by “Machine Gunning” Do you mean that the pump is cycling On/Off when it’s in a static condition, not pumping any liquids? If it is you’ve got a bad pump or a pump with an internal leak. The pump isn’t building pressure against the solenoid valves that’s why it’s cycling. Do you run your pumps in a flooded state? Meaning that the pump is lower than the tank. Running the pump in a flooded state helps the pump not have to draw as hard.

 

[soonermajic]

It's in a flooded state. It was a bad pump. I replaced it. Looks like everything is running good. I really appreciate you guys advice on things to do.

 

[getnbusy]

what Jeff said has been my experience. I agree that it sounds like the supply line is turned off and thus no product supply to the pump. Sounds elementary, but after 25 years in the business, i did it earlier this week. Glad I knew what to check