NuStar Soft Touch Plus

[GREG SMITH]

I have a NuStar Soft Touch Plus that sometimes stops during a wash.
I can push the machine just a little and it continues and completes the wash.
Can't leave it unattended with this problem. Any ideas? Weak hydraulic pump?
Weak drive motor? Machine has about 86,000 washes on it.

 

[DiamondWash]

Does it hang up at the same spot on the track each time?

 

[cantbreak80]

"Divots" in the guide rails?

 

[MEP001]

"Divots" in the guide rails?

Spoken like a true golfer.

 

[washnvac]

Possibilities: Wheel bearing(s) going bad, one drive wheel wore down more than the other, track sunk down a bit in one spot, tracks coming apart at a seam, wheel cover slightly off making it rub the rail, motor/wheel coupling slipping or wore out---all of these items will stop that unit in its tracks. Both wheels must firmly contact the tracks for this unit to move anywhere. I have six of these units, and it is a challenge keeping the track pieces straight and level.

 

[GREG SMITH]

Thanks for feedback. We recently ( a few months ago ) re anchored and leveled the rails. Don't think a problem there.

Today , After replacing high pressure hyd filter ( for the third time in 10 days ), washed 15 or 20 cars before machine stalled and needed a push to start moving and finish the cycle. Old filter was swelled, distorted.

Saturday before last washed cars all day, back to back, it needed a push about 20 times.

We are experiencing abnormal and wide hydraulic pressure fluctuations. Will eventually spike to 2500 PSI after initially set to 1200.

We have replaced the hyd pump compensator valve
Seems to make no difference.

About 10 days ago we drained and flushed the hyd reservoir and refilled with new auto trams fluid.

Looking forward to the day when we can once again operate it unattended.

BTW ...this machine 9yrs old with 86k washes on counter.

We operate (3) of these, first time for this sort of problem.

Anyone ever had a hyd pump go bad ? What are symptoms ?

 

[MEP001]

Unless it's a very unusual unit, you don't use auto transmission fluid in a hydraulic unit. There are specific qualities to hydraulic fluid that prevents a number of issues.

When the machine needs a push, can you see if the rollers are turning and slipping on the rails?

 

[washnvac]

I use AW32 hydraulic fluid from AutoZone for mine. I have had pump fail when a hose blew, and the low level switch was stuck on. When the pump ran dry, I had no pressure upon refilling.

When you are saying you have to push it to get it going, that indicates to me that both wheels are not making contact, or one of your motors is bad. To rule it out, I would replace both motors. Of course, that does not explain the pressure issue.

Have you called Nu*Star? Jim is very helpful there.