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FlowJet Pump Issue

Etowah
Big Chris

Big Chris

Member
I am using a flow jet pump to dispense low pressure high pH presoak to my self serve bays.
I am using the Santoprene G57 pump.
It is dead-headed at 80 psi to a 3 port SS solenoid manifold.
When you select presoak from one of the self serve bays, that particular solenoid gets energized and the flow jet pumps.

Here is my issue.....
When you select presoak, the flow jet will pump for 30-60 seconds no problem, just like it should. With a nice pffttt, pfftt, pffft, cadence. Then the cadence slows and the pump eventually stalls for 5-15 seconds. Then it will restart with it's chipper cadence, then it will slow and stall. Out in the bay, presoak is dispensed until the flow jet stalls, then it restarts when the flow jet restarts.
Sometimes, the flow jet wont restart.

I am 100% certain that the air supply is uninterrupted and constant.
I am 100% certain that the solenoid is staying "open" when energized.
I am 100% there is no obstruction between the solenoid manifold and the gun in the bay.
The flow jet is fed with its own dedicated air line with a regulator outfitted with a oil/water separator.

If I swap the flow jet to a new one, problem 100% goes away. Thing is, this last flow jet only lasted about 2 months. The last one failed in exactly the same manner.

Anyone have experience with this particular issue?
 
Either you are feeding the unit with air that has moisture in it or the presoak you are using is not compatible with Santoprene. I strongly recommend putting an air dryer on the compressor. You should reach out to your chemical supplier as to what they recommend. Used to be that you could use the Santoprene on everything but tire cleaner(Viton) but the chemicals have really changed a lot over the last 4-5 years so that's not quite the case anymore.
 
Big Chris said:
I am using a flow jet pump to dispense low pressure high pH presoak to my self serve bays.
I am using the Santoprene G57 pump.
It is dead-headed at 80 psi to a 3 port SS solenoid manifold.
When you select presoak from one of the self serve bays, that particular solenoid gets energized and the flow jet pumps.

Here is my issue.....
When you select presoak, the flow jet will pump for 30-60 seconds no problem, just like it should. With a nice pffttt, pfftt, pffft, cadence. Then the cadence slows and the pump eventually stalls for 5-15 seconds. Then it will restart with it's chipper cadence, then it will slow and stall. Out in the bay, presoak is dispensed until the flow jet stalls, then it restarts when the flow jet restarts.
Sometimes, the flow jet wont restart.

I am 100% certain that the air supply is uninterrupted and constant.
I am 100% certain that the solenoid is staying "open" when energized.
I am 100% there is no obstruction between the solenoid manifold and the gun in the bay.
The flow jet is fed with its own dedicated air line with a regulator outfitted with a oil/water separator.

If I swap the flow jet to a new one, problem 100% goes away. Thing is, this last flow jet only lasted about 2 months. The last one failed in exactly the same manner.

Anyone have experience with this particular issue?
Click to expand...
Something you can do:
Take the 9 screws out at the bottom of the stalling Flojet and check for liquid in that chamber.
If there is liquid, smell it to determine if it's compressor moisture or product.
 
You shouldn’t be using a Santoprene Flo-Jet pump on your Presoak system, you should be using a Viton pump on the Presoak system. About 30 years ago I switched my Flo-Jet pump out for a electric Procon pump, controlled by a MX-8 multiplexer and I’ve never regrated it. It’s a little expensive upfront but it’s well worth the expense. We have one Flo-Jet pump left.
 
Randy said:
You shouldn’t be using a Santoprene Flo-Jet pump on your Presoak system, you should be using a Viton pump on the Presoak system. About 30 years ago I switched my Flo-Jet pump out for a electric Procon pump, controlled by a MX-8 multiplexer and I’ve never regrated it. It’s a little expensive upfront but it’s well worth the expense. We have one Flo-Jet pump left.
Click to expand...
Not arguing, but here is my rational....
HIgh ph Presoak is alkaline.
1745864286460.png
Viton is for hydrocarbons
1745864353076.png
 
I use santoprene for some pretty harsh tire cleaner and they're lasting a long time.

Air moisture was always my problem with flojets. I installed a refrigerated air dryer for my Istobal because they use SMC air cards and were going out frequently. Since I installed it about 4 years ago I have had to replace only one flojet in that time, and that is a pretty busy wash..
 
I agree with other responses, I'll add this:
I used to have a lot of problems with flojets. All of them, I think without exception, were caused by water / moisture.
About 15(?) years ago I replaced the air supply hoses and piping in the ER with aluminum air tubing, put in several drop legs for draining, and a couple manifolds. Problems decreased by 75% immediately. Yes I still use nylon out to the bays. No I have never used an air dryer - I agree that they are helpful but I feel like they are a bandaid, when I installed the air supply properly (so to speak) the air dryer became less necessary.
Then 10 years ago when my ancient compressor died and I replaced it, ALL my flojet issues disappeared, I think I've only replaced one in the last 8-10 years.

For an example, look on amazon for "compressed air piping system" and google the right way to install it.
 
I put a moisture filter wit auto drain just ahead of the flo jet. Seemed to get the job done as opposed to being closer to compressor because as the air travels away from the compressor it cools and water precipitates out so the drain closer to the compressor won't trap as much moisture. Although specs say theycab handle 100 PSI I don't think I ever ran them higher than 60 PSI which seemed to be plenty.
 
I run three flow jets for different chemicals and I never have issues or should I say very rarely. I'm on site six days a week so I am very regular with draining my compressor thoroughly every day.
 
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