high pressure seals

[bkel]

i've an AR pump, 3600psi @ 14gpm(i think thats the conversion, its speced at 30lpm) run by a 20hp Honda, with a K7 bypass system. I've a 't' fitting before the bypass that allows me to dump water straight into my recirculation tank, if I require a lower water amount to apply my chemicals (brickcleaning mainly). The machine is 18 months old, and has never missed a beat and have only cavitated 5 times tops (other trades turning off the water when I wasn't watching!), but the problem I have encountered is that the hose was slightly 'twitching' when I was power washing the walls. I have pulled the pump down, and all the valves were fine, but the high pressure seals were damaged.
Upon replacing the seals it was happy days for a few days, but it is now starting to show signs that the seals are going again!! Any ideas as to why this may be the case? Seal kits over here (Australia) are an expensive commodity, as most distributors know they have you by the proverbial when it comes to costs, so I don't want to be replacing them every month!

Brett

 

[chirobob]

Don't Jetwaves Suck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Mark]

Brett,

Sounds like you are running an XW30.25 pump
rated at 7.92 GPM @ 3600 PSI. GREAT PUMP!

Do not assume that the packing is worn so soon, check
other things first suction leaks etc. Try force feeding pump.

It may be helpful to run two suction lines to pump, using
3/4" on each.

CHECK INLET VACUUM it may be too high.


Hope this helps: Pump Troubleshooting **Click Here**

 

[bkel]

Jetwaves? Been running them for over 5 years now, never had a drama except for now! Much better units than Aussie's, with the the heartless Bertie pumps. Ever tried dealing with Aussie? Shockers.
Chirobob? aka JJ's? Where do you get your equipment from in the metro area? Are you finding that unless you bought the machine from them, the distributers just don't want to know you? Which I guess is fair enough on serviceing but not parts. My next will be a custom build.
Mark, thanks for your help, I didn't do the conversions right! Yeah it's a great pump, well has been in the past, but I just can't work out why this has just 'appeared' virtually overnight. I've got twin feed 3/4 hose's into the pump, so it's getting plenty of water, but i'll check into it further.

 

[chirobob]

Jetwaves? Been running them for over 5 years now, never had a drama except for now! Much better units than Aussie's, with the the heartless Bertie pumps. Ever tried dealing with Aussie? Shockers.
Chirobob? aka JJ's? Where do you get your equipment from in the metro area? Are you finding that unless you bought the machine from them, the distributers just don't want to know you? Which I guess is fair enough on serviceing but not parts. My next will be a custom build.
Mark, thanks for your help, I didn't do the conversions right! Yeah it's a great pump, well has been in the past, but I just can't work out why this has just 'appeared' virtually overnight. I've got twin feed 3/4 hose's into the pump, so it's getting plenty of water, but i'll check into it further.

The Jetwave I have, threw the unloader after three weeks, the gearbox after 13 months part time use( I know of 5 other guys that have had a problem with the gear box/keyway), and this is with constant babying, so much so that I made it an open gun as I was worried the unloaders were continually spiking the pump. I haven't dealt with Aussie pumps. But honestly I felt that the service at times from Jetwave was deplorable with their 'take it or leave it' attitude at times. If I treated my clients like this I would no work, I believe you have to earn someones business not just take it for granted. If you've had a good run with them then I guess you are one of the lucky ones.

I totally agree with you on custom building I think it's the only way to go and probably easier and a lot more reasonable in price to import the pump from the States. Alot of the parts quick connects, nozzles, guns. etc either Sprayflo or EPG. I import rotjets and other items I find these far better than the local MV, or Kranzles. Lances some larger were from Calussi and smaller were custom made out of 1/8 stainless tube. Hose from duffield in Dandenong. Chemicals I tend to make all these my self and save a bomb. The Acid was from Ancon if your brickcleaning all the time I would try to buy it in IBCs direct from Orica. Deltrex also have a good selction of raw materials.

How's the brickcleaning? Now theres an industry where you walk around with knives in your back. The mentality of a lot of guys out there doing this is deplorable..... Most are not smart enough to help each other out and exchange ideas in cases where all parties could learn. Most will give you the wrong information then tell your client your doing a bad job etc. etc.
I'm glad I got out of this nearly twelve months ago to concentrate on industrial jetting. Much more fun, pays more per hour and highly satisfying.

I still pass on the brickcleaning jobs I usually get a call every week or two so if you pass on your number I'll refer them on.
A couple of the dealers I've dealt with in Melbourne are Engineered products group, Crockford & Co , Sprayflo, Calussi Engineering ( N.S.W).

If you want to exchange ideas I'm more than happy to share - we both can't know everything.

Hope you sort your problem out.

Do you have a float tank supplying the pump, also do you come straight out of the water meter?

I have a background in irrigation and this certainly has helped with the water supply end
Cheers.

 

[bkel]

haha the brickcleaning industry is still a cut throat business, though I tend to steer clear of other blokes, as you said they will tell you one thing then run too your customer about the work your doing. I have been sticking to the big builders, plenty of work, but low $$'s, so I've taken the bold step into yellowpages for the first time, and it's paid off already. Gotta love owner builders, bless their cash souls!
I heard of one brickcleaner with '30 years experience' who told another bloke to 'supe' up his acid by putting soda ash into it!! Friggin idiot, could have seriously maimed the man! As I said, I keep to myself, as everyone is out to nail you to the wall. I will help someone if they ask.
I source my acid from Culbeag in Tullamarine, and all other chems as well. Tried Ancon, but they just didn't want my business, so they dropped 80+ drums a month. They did mention that their acid was a better grade than Culbeag, but in the end I am cleaning bricks and the price wins everytime! Can't really buy in bulk, as I've no where to keep it, the neighbours already freak when they see me wheeling in 1000+ litres every 2-3 weeks, not to mention the wife!
How have you found Crockfords? Bought my first machine from them and their after market service was a little feeble, usually get my stuff from Waterblaster repairs in Greensborough, though lately he seems to be getting pricy as well. Most of his ideas are from other pressure cleaners as well, but since I've been reading this board, I am finding myself wondering if he is using the best method for me.
So importing from the states is a better way of going you think? Recommend anyone in particular? Does Pressure Wash Zone export?
We seem to be behind the 8 ball when it comes to new ideas etc. over here, playing catchup.
Any leads would be great, and I will return the favour if I stumble across any pressure cleaning gigs, as I've little time to look at them these days, my number is 0419 317 015
cheers
brett

 

[bkel]

oh yeah, I've got a float in the tank but are looking at installing a kill switch in the tank so it stops when the water level is low, so that will stop the cavitation problem, and lazy painters! Cheap insurance at $150

 

[chirobob]

W@$3% E*543!2$$ springs to mind, probably chief cut throat. He tried the same on me when we crossed paths on a quote. He took a step back when I told him I had 4 yrs Uni Chemisty behind me and the caustic or soda ash would only increase the pH of the acid rendering it less effective. To think that he would hope it injures someone only reinfoces my gut feeling. Face to face he seemed like a nice enough guy.

I got a call 2day from a project manager in Dandenong Looking for a brickcleaner if your interested I have'n't had a chance 2 call him back 0425751639.
I'll give you a call at some stage to swap ideas.

Did you say painters isn't it funny how you have to brickclean after the plaster is flushed up. I certainly learnt alot about the building game from my brickcleaning stint.
Cheers

 

[Mark]

Brett,

We do some exports. [hello]