Thermostat on Elite

[Douglas Hicks]

I have a ***** RK27 (Elite3005VGEVBD). At 244 hours I had to have the 12 Volt transformer,And the hi-limit switch (220 F) replaced. My service tech said the initial problem was a loose connection. he also replaced the fuel filter and put a 1.75 GPM 80 degree nozzle in. The nozzle replaced a larger nozzle and was replaced in an attempt to cut the water temp, as the water was hot enough to turn to steam. the water still turns to steam. At 375 Hours, the hi-limit switch was again replaced. Is it possible to install a variable thermostat in place of the fixed temp which allows water to turn to steam. AT present, the only way to regulate the water temp is to turn off the heater, then turn it on when the water gets cool. I know some PW have an adjustable t-stat. My former machine did, but vibration kept the dial rotating, and changed the temp setting.


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[Oldtimer]

I have sucessfully installed a thermostat on similar units, be sure that the thermostat cycles only the fuel solenoid, and not the blower motor, as most thermostats will NOT hold up to the amp draw of a 12 volt blower motor, as most are designed for AC voltage and not DC voltage.
(Typically the AC voltage has a lower amp draw)

If you can locate a 12 volt DC thermostat that would be your best bet!

I suspect you have another problem, or problems if your machine is going to steam with a 1.75 fuel nozzle.

Call me if I can help 916 638-0828, I can give you the name of a reputable service center in your area.

Glad to be of service!

Hope this helps.


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[Hotwaterwizard]

What Oldtimer said was true. You need to find out why you have low water flow. Take a look at the spray tip on your wand. Alot of people think if it sayes 3gpm put a #3 or if it is 5gpm you need a #5 WRONG your machine should have a #5.5 or #6 depending on the real flow it puts out. If you have a smaller one it will put out less water and make the temp rise.

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Hotwaterwizard@aol.com If You have a problem with your machine, just ask me for help. Check out the Machine Problem Board

 

[Douglas Hicks]

Thanks for the responses. I use a 1/4 turn ball valve to regulate the water flow. Most of the time the ball valve is NOT fully open. If the ball valve is fully open, I have difficulty in controlling the wand, so I use the ball valve to throttle down the pressure. I am running a 1507 nozzle, having started with a 1505 when the machine was new. Do I need to increase the nozzle size? If so, what nozzle would you reccommend?

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[Greg Rentschler]

I would recommend going to a dual lance wand and open the soap valve to decrease your pressure to whatever you want. Using a ball valve to regulate your pressure places a restriction on the pump and will wea out the $25 ball valve prematurely. A duel lance wand only cost $30 or so and will save you ALOT OF HEADACHES and last for a long time w/ proper care. Still use the ball valve... just not for regulating your pressure. Keep it fully open unless you need to disconnect. Your 1507 should work fine.... it will drop your pressure slightly from what your pump is rated at (max).



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Greg Rentschler
GCR PowerClean
gcrpwerclean.com

 

[Douglas Hicks]

Greg,I do not have a soap valve in use on my machine. I clean exhaust hoods, so I use a coke can to apply the chemical, & then use the PW to clean the surface. I thought a dual lance was used to apply chemical to the surface. I use the 1/4 turn ball valve in place of a trigger gun. No real reason for the ball valve, my first PW did not come with a trigger gun, so I made my own. I do like the ball valve because I can adjust the pressure depending on what I am washing (fan or duct) and control the splash back.

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[bling bling]

how does the dual lance work,i know you can switch from low to high pressure but what stops the chemical from being discharge on high pressure?

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[Greg Rentschler]

I am not referring to your chem injector. A dual lance wand is for applying soaps and such downstream but we use it too adjust the pressure on our wands. You have a freeflow tube on one side of the lance and a "metered" flow on the other side. With this you can adjust you pressure to anything you want. Just don't use your chemical injector or when you go to lower your pressure it will start to draw chemical into the line. Try one and you'll do away with the ball valve. A dual lance wand does NOT restrict the flow of your washer it just diverts a portion of the water to a soap nozzle therfore reducing the pressure at your spray tip.

The chemical draws based on the venturi principle. Based on that when the dual lance is fully closed it will not draw chemical . As you open the valve on the lance it will create a vacuum and begin to draw chemical into the system. The more open the valve is the more draw you will receive.



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Greg Rentschler
GCR PowerClean
gcrpwerclean.com

 

[Douglas Hicks]

Greg, thank y9ou for the advice. I purchased a new dual lance and a new valve assembly, really works well and speeds my work.. I now have no problem with excessively hot water. I can also adust the pressure at the wand much better.

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[Hotwaterwizard]

NEVER USE A BALL VALVE ON THE INLET OF YOUR PUMP TO REGULATE PRESSURE> It will mess that pump up ! It will cavitate it and by-by pump. NEVER THROTTLE DOWN A HOTWATER UNIT TO REGULATE PRESSURE> it will mess up your burner transformer and fan motor. With a cold water unit throttling is okak but, NOT ON HOT!!!

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Hotwaterwizard@aol.com If You have a problem with your machine, just ask me for help. Check out the Machine Problem Board