Chemical Overhaul

[Kcmurphy23]

Hello
I am interested in hearing what kinds of chemical programs people out there are using/like/dislike. I'v have recently acquired a wash that I'm certain could use a full overhaul.

Thanks in advance!

 

[soapy]

Scan through the forum since this topic has been covered dozens of times recently.

 

[PEI]

I suppose the first question is what kind of wash do you have? Self Serve, Touchless IBA, and Friction all require different chemical solutions.

 

[Earl Weiss]

Kleen Rite Lw PH Soaps and Tripe foam wax as well as sealer wax for Tunnel and SS. I use KR wheel Cleaner in the SS. I use a simonize wheel cleaner and Drying agent in the Tunnel as well as Rain X.

 

[Earl Weiss]

FWIW I use the KR Low PH for SS High Pressure and Pre Soak. Had Jelling issues with their Pre Soak and High pressure soap.

 

[Roz]

What type of jelling issues did you have in the past?

I ask because I installed all new SS equipment (given 30 year old rundown equipment). Having a recent issue with the HP Soap function. No soap comes out at wand, tube from soap container appears full and to be drawing soap (Simoniz Body Bath). If I dump a cup of soap into the holding tank I get nice soap at the wand. Wondering if something is clogged. I removed the tip which helped for a day, now back to no soap.

Any insights or suggestions to try? At a loss as to the cause. Thanks....Jordan

 

[Earl Weiss]

Jelling would have sime forming in the mixing tank and or concentrate bucket. Gumming up everything from the foot valve to the strainer. If Tube is full AND appears to be drawing soap I suggest trying a new bucket of soap. Perhaps you had water siphon back and dilute soap. To prevent this make an 1/8th inch hole in the hydrominder drop tube just above the liquid level. in the tank. Air will enter the hole preventing the siphon. Also check foot valve for clogs which could allow it to suck but not enough. Perhaps new hose from Hydrominder to soap bucket t if it's become clogged or reduced in size by debris. Report back.

 

[Randy]

What type of jelling issues did you have in the past?

I ask because I installed all new SS equipment (given 30 year old rundown equipment). Having a recent issue with the HP Soap function. No soap comes out at wand, tube from soap container appears full and to be drawing soap (Simoniz Body Bath). If I dump a cup of soap into the holding tank I get nice soap at the wand. Wondering if something is clogged. I removed the tip which helped for a day, now back to no soap.

Any insights or suggestions to try? At a loss as to the cause. Thanks....Jordan

We had so many Jelling and separation issues with KR brand soap and Simonize that we stopped using them. We went over to JBS and couldn’t be happier. When using an ultra-concentrated soap product it’s important to follow the soap manufactures instructions on the container/pail. Some soap manufactures require 10 gallons of water to be added to their product before it is used. Some operators here on the forum have had success with using an ultra-lean Hydrominder kit, we could never get good results from an ultra-concentrated soap product when using the ultra-lean Hydrominder kit so we mix the ultra-concentrated soap products with 10 gallons of water and we get excellent results with the products. Are you following the instructions on the container/pail?

 

[Roz]

We do not dilute the soap with water even though the pail says we have that as an option (thinking that it would be a stronger show). Theory worked initially. Will try another tube as we already have a hole in place to prevent siphoning.

One possible issue addressed. Float chain clip had slipped such that only 1/3 of the tank was being filled when activated. Changed the float chain length so most of the tank is now filled. Probably not related but seems to make sense to use most of the tank.

 

[Earl Weiss]

. Probably not related but seems to make sense to use most of the tank.

If you need the reserve capacity (Fill rate may not equal use rate occasionally) IMO less is more. Greater turnover of solution keeps solution warmer if you heat any, and less dormant product to precipitate out.

 

[OurTown]

Also, if you need to drain the tank there is less waste and takes less time if you keep the level low. We use JBS and are really happy with them.

 

[Roz]

Seems to have been a siphoning issue. Hole in tube to prevent water back flowing was blocked and too small. I made it slightly larger so it prevents dilution and cleaned the tube filter in the pail. Seems to have addressed the issue. Will go back to lower fluid level in tank and might add water to pail per chemical instructions. Thx.