Winter 2005

LESCONEWS

Vol. 43 No. 1

Maintaining, troubleshooting and winterizing sprayers

Some simple tips . . .

• Wash the pump and the tank with clean water after each use to prolong the life of the sprayer and its parts.
• Replace pump diaphragms every 500 hours or three months.
• To maintain product effectiveness, only mix as much product as you can use in one day.

Troubleshooting . . .

• If there is a leak in the suction side (from the tank to the pump), the pump will cavitate (suck air) and provide little or no pressure.
• The first place to look for an air leak is the filter assembly. Check the rubber gasket sealing the strainer bowl to the strainer and look for hairline cracks in the strainer bowl.
• Secondly, look at the suction line from the bottom of the tank to the strainer manifold and check for loose clamps and cracked fittings. Hoses can also collapse, especially when the pump is operating.
• Finally, inspect the pump itself. If pumps are not rinsed after use, chemicals can prevent the valves in the heads from sealing and pressure from building. Remove the manifold assembly from the top of the pump and check the four valves (two in each head). Clean with soapy water and inspect for corrosion or debris.

Winterizing . . .

Follow these steps to properly winterize a hydraulic sprayer . . .

1. Position the sprayer so the entire plumbing system drains to the front.
2. Drain any spray solution out of the system.
3. In a well-ventilated area, close the drain, fill the tank one-quarter full of water and add the contents of a container of LESCOSol™. Replace the tank lid to avoid breathing in the ammoniated vapors.
4. Start the sprayer engine and run the cleaning solution through the sprayer for 10 minutes. Remove the tank lid and discharge the spray gun or hose into the tank to wash all inside walls. Allow the solution to run through the sprayer hose or gun for 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Drain the cleaning solution from the sprayer and wash the inside of the tank with clear water. Be certain the sprayer and related plumbing are completely drained.
6. Disconnect the hose from the pump discharge manifold that feeds the hose onto the reel. Both ends of the hose are now open. Using an air compressor, blow out the hose until all the cleaning solution is gone. Leave both ends of the hose open for storage.
7. Hold the spray gun vertically and open the trigger to drain all cleaning solution. After the gun dries, spray the interior with a four-way lubricant and store in a dry place.
8. Drain all but a small amount of the gasoline from the engine tank. Then start the engine and run it until the fuel in the tank and the carburetor is gone.
9. Change the engine oil and clean or replace the air cleaner.
10. Remove the spark plug and pour approximately two tablespoons of motor oil into the spark plug hole. Pull the starter rope to activate the engine and allow the oil to coat the cylinder and piston walls. Place the clean spark plug in a plastic bag and put it in the tank strainer basket.
11. Remove the suction line strainer bowl and gasket and place them in the strainer basket.
12. Remove the suction line drain plug or cap and put it in the strainer basket with the other items. Remove the suction line from the pump. Disconnect any lines coming off the pump discharge manifold and open the shutoff valves. When the engine start cord is pulled, water on the suction side will go down and water will be forced out of the discharge shutoff valve.
13. Prepare a solution of one gallon of water and one gallon of RV-type antifreeze. Place a funnel in the suction side of the pump. Slowly pour the antifreeze solution into the pump and pull the start rope a few times; the solution will be pulled into the pump and the cleaning solution will come out the discharge. When the antifreeze solution comes out the discharge, close the discharge shutoff valve. The pump is now drained of cleaning solution, filled with antifreeze and ready for storage.
14. Engines equipped with electric starts can be primed with the antifreeze solution by briefly touching the start button a few times to circulate the solution.
15. If the drive side of the pump is fitted with an oil drain, remove the plug and drain the oil into a pan. If there is any water in the oil, replace the pump diaphragm.
16. Inspect the physical appearance of the sprayer. Use a scouring pad or sponge and scouring powder to clean polyethylene tank surfaces. Use soap and water on the frame. Remove any rust on the frame with sandpaper and then touchup with paint.
17. Make sure any parts removed from the sprayer are stored in the tank strainer basket, then place the lid back on the tank and secure.
18. If the sprayer has an electric start, remove the battery, fully charge it and store in a cool, dry place. Do not store on a concrete floor.
19. Finally, cover the sprayer with a tarp to keep it clean over the winter. When spring arrives, you’re ready to go!

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