hydrominder question

[slash007]

I noticed that the hydrominders on my new pump stand don't have nearly as strong of a suction as the units I had before. I was pretty sure that both were the 506 model, but don't know how to tell for sure. They look exactly the same other than that the units I had before didn't have the swivel connection on the back before the shut off valve, or the shut off valve. There was just a ball valve on the wall. I wonder because I am having to use much larger tips than before to compensate for the lower suction, and that isn't working for my anti-freeze chemicals since I have to know how much is being used in order for it to be effective. If they are the same, what other factors could keep the suction low? I replaced almost every part on one of them and I still have the same suction. It works, but just not like I am used to.

Thanks.

 

[Randy]

What is your incoming water pressure? Do you have a screen on the water inlet? Have you replaced the diaphragm?

 

[slash007]

What is your incoming water pressure? Do you have a screen on the water inlet? Have you replaced the diaphragm?

Incoming water is 55psi, there is a screen where it screws in, (I need to confirm that it is clean) and I have replaced both the diaphragm and eductor. Now that you mention it, I can't remember if I checked the screen since I have to shut the water off to the stand to do so. I am putting in a ball valve just for the hydrominders as I install my soft water system this week, so that will help.

 

[Earl Weiss]

Once I made the mistake of deleting the swivel hose connection with screen. Ended up getting debris in diaphragms. First check screen. I found easiest way to get it out is remove 3/8" fitting swivel fitting is attached to, then use a pen to push the whole thing out. Ruined many trying to dig them out from the hose connections side. BTW water shut off and then on is notorious for allowing debris to come lose and travel thru a system.

 

[slash007]

Good tip on the screen, I already ruined one trying to get it out from the connection side. I've been ok when I shut off an internal valve, but whenever I have to shut off the whole wash, I usually do find debris. Thankfully now I have shut off valves for just about every function.

 

[MEP001]

I just got back from a 100-mile trip to fix a Hydrominder that wasn't drawing soap - it still had the original plastic stem valve in it. The guy had changed the diaphragm and it didn't help, still wasn't flowing enough to draw properly. A new brass stem valve kit fixed it.

It was also the first time I've seen the same tank drawn from for bay soap and foam brush, so it was a really big problem having no soap in either one.

 

[I.B. Washincars]

It was also the first time I've seen the same tank drawn from for bay soap and foam brush

I've been doing that for decades.

 

[slash007]

Hmm. I never thought to change the plastic stem since I never had one go bad. It seemed fine, but I do have a brass one that I can throw in there. What goes wrong with the stem? What about the black piece that the diaphragm sits in? Does that ever go bad?

 

[Ric]

Make sure that restrictor thing is in the discharge tubing.

 

[cwguy.com]

Hmm. I never thought to change the plastic stem since I never had one go bad. It seemed fine, but I do have a brass one that I can throw in there. What goes wrong with the stem? What about the black piece that the diaphragm sits in? Does that ever go bad?

All the plastic can crack.... They can cause suction problems. The brass stem seems better.

Mep1 also replaced the spring, plunger thing, diagram and stem.

 

[MEP001]

Hmm. I never thought to change the plastic stem since I never had one go bad. It seemed fine, but I do have a brass one that I can throw in there. What goes wrong with the stem? What about the black piece that the diaphragm sits in? Does that ever go bad?

I don't know what goes wrong with it, but I've seen the same thing at least 50 times now where it still has the plastic stem and it won't flow enough to draw. The valve body shouldn't go bad, but it can get cracked by overtightening the fittings or the screw holes can get stripped or the original screws sometimes rust and break off inside. I always replace them with stainless screws, and it helps to "feel" for the screw going into the old threads instead of making it cut new ones, which is what will cause it to strip.

 

[slash007]

Make sure that restrictor thing is in the discharge tubing.

I never knew a restrictor thing even existed in the discharge tubing until browsing KR last night. What does it do?

 

[MEP001]

I don't know how it works, but it needs that restriction or it won't create suction like it should.

 

[slash007]

Cleaned out the screen on the inlet side and the suction is much better. Can't believe I missed that, but that's why it's so great to have you guys. Now I need to check the rest... Thanks!

 

[Randy]

I clean out my screens about 6 months or so, I try to tie everything to daylight savings time, when it time to change the time it's time to do some maintenance. I have 3 - Hydrominders ganged together on on hose. 1 of my Hydrominders is so old it's got a brass valve body, it's got to be 35 years old, still works.