Cat 530 machine gun

[Mdbordelon318]

I'm having a rapid fire pulsating on my cat 530 pump. Pressure gets up to 800 lbs but no more. I checked the seals and valves. I swapped out a head from another 530 pump that would not pulsates. But when I changed it out it did the same rapid fire pulsating. Anyone have and idea what is caus

 

[I.B. Washincars]

Do all three pistons move? The pump may have thrown a rod.

 

[Mdbordelon318]

I'm kinda new to carwashes. I will check. But would the pump even turn if it threw a rod? It runs quiet when running.

 

[cantbreak80]

First step when troubleshooting a pulsating pump is to check for air leaks in the liquid supply lines.

Old push-to-connect fittings…cracked soap & wax tubing…poorly wrapped pipe threads, etc.
I can't tell you how many times I've corrected an air leak by rewrapping an "over-taped" fitting.
Three tight wraps of teflon tape is plenty...any more will wad up behind the threads and prevent the fitting from sealing.

 

[Mdbordelon318]

Thank you. I will check what you reccomend!

 

[Scotty]

Could your fluid supply line be partially blocked? Pinched or collapsed hose on the suction side? These pumps can make a hellacious sound when starved and it might explain the low pressure issue.

 

[Mdbordelon318]

Could your fluid supply line be partially blocked? Pinched or collapsed hose on the suction side? These pumps can make a hellacious sound when starved and it might explain the low pressure issue.

I checked all along the supply, it has good water supply, no pinch lines

 

[Scotty]

i had a plunger retaining bolt back out a while ago. It made a machine gun sound but it also caused a significant water leak. Worth a check if you’re still stumped.

 

[Mdbordelon318]

Do all three pistons move? The pump may have thrown a rod.

All 3 rods move the same