Control Board Issues

Yes, to the inquires about dead or faulty control boards.  We are seeing many more control board replacements than ever before.  In reality, some of this is because ALL machines, even gas and some hydraulic machines now have electronic control boards.

Some of the problems are pressure sensor related.  This can be caused by build up on the sensor.  See the last article about cleaning.  Some of the problems are with units that are on new construction projects that use a “gang box” or temporary power pole for power.  Your power is unstable due to other motors that draw large current surges.  These can include table and worm drive saws, welding equipment, compressors, etc.  Some of the problems are caused by painting old structures that have old, weak power wiring and/or electrical boxes.  If you are plugged into the circuit and the clothes dryer starts, your machine will be starved of power.

Just keep in mind the cost of repairs when you plug in the machine.  Take the few minutes to check the power supply AND you power cords.  Loose and damaged power plugs (i.e. missing the ground lug) will cause you costly problems.

Re: Cleaning

We are seeing more rigs come in that have multiple colors still inside the fluid section.  I know that these are latex paints, “water based material”, but water alone will not clean the pump.  Any material that is darker than an off-white will still leave a residue of color in the pump.  This layer will then collect the next material (even off-whites) from then on.  This causes wear and tearing of the packings, which can also cause piston and cylinder wear and damage.

The cure for this is to use liquid dishwashing soap in the second wash.  The first wash is just water, clearing out the bulk of the material.  Recirculate the second wash for 5 minutes.  Let the pump build pressure occasionally during this time.  Then make sure that you completely rinse the soapy water out of the pump with the third wash.  If there is any clouding in the rinse water, repeat the second wash.

There are some really deep tint colors that will require paint thinner to dissolve all of the colorant, but that is another article.